Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Chief Harold David Rossman, Jr., who has dedicated his life to serving the people of the Lake Orion community and of our great state.

Harold began his police career in 1987 as a reserve police officer in Lake Orion, and over the years, he also served Almont and Clarkston as a part-time officer. Chief Rossman began his full-time career in law enforcement with the Wayne County Sheriffs Office in 1995 while he was still part-time with the Lake Orion Police Department. Chief Rossman became a full-time police officer in Lake Orion that same year, was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, and after almost 20 years of distinguished service, was tapped for chief of police.

Chief Rossman's selfless and tireless dedication to law enforcement and the safety of our community serves as an inspiration to all of us who value public safety.

One of the most fundamental services in any community is law enforcement. Throughout his extensive career, Harold Rossman accepted great responsibility and faced many unique challenges requiring courage, preparation, and skill. In his service, Chief Rossman has guided Lake Orion through many new pressures to the balance of public safety and the rights of individuals. His distinguished leadership, coupled with his integrity, professionalism, and kind presence throughout the community, has earned him well-deserved appreciation and respect. Chief Rossman's extraordinary tenure in public service is something we should all be proud of.

Beyond his service as a dedicated law enforcement officer, Chief Rossman deeply enjoys NASCAR, spending time with his grandchildren, and interacting with the Lake Orion community.

I know that the Lake Orion Police Department and the wider community will miss his presence as chief. Chief Rossman's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement officers and community leaders. I look forward to his continued presence as he navigates the reward of retirement.

On behalf of the people of Michigan's Ninth District, I want to thank Harold David Rossman, Jr., for his tireless dedication and service to our communities. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and we know that he will continue to be a great resource to our community in whatever capacity he chooses to serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my district, my State, and my country to say that the Chinese Communist Party is actively working to destroy America.

From aggressive military actions to spying on Americans through TikTok and high-altitude balloons, the CCP is focused on becoming the world's number one superpower.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make something very clear: China is not our friend. They are coming at us militarily, economically, and educationally. They are our biggest adversary.

We know that China is targeting our country as a whole, and we also know that they are targeting individual States, as well.

For example, in North Dakota, China has bought up farmland right next to a strategic military base. Probably the only vacant land in Nebraska they could find was next to a strategic military base.

In Texas, China is using the shadow of TikTok to build a massive facility that will focus on spying on Americans.

Now, in my home State of Michigan, China is tightening its grip on a chip manufacturing facility and establishing a facility in Big Rapids. The company taking over this town is called Gotion, which is actually a subsidiary of a company that is owned and operated by the Chinese Communist Party.

When Gotion proposed this new plant, they sold a good story by promising 2,000 jobs and massive economic gains for the State. Actually, Michigan could use some economic gains for our State, but we know the truth. Gotion is establishing its Big Rapids plant in order to extend its CCP influence in Michigan. They plan to utilize Chinese EV chip technology and send the profits of its production right back to the CCP.

By the way, those 2,000 jobs that they promised? They will be filled with Chinese workers implanted from Beijing to work at this facility, not to mention--wait for it--over $500 million in tax breaks from our Governor will be used to subsidize these jobs and given to Gotion.

Let's not forget, ironically, coincidentally, that Big Rapids is home to Ferris State University, which just got an accreditation for their information security and intelligence program.

That seems like a coincidence, doesn't it?

I can assure you; I am not much for coincidences.

This is a blatant move from the Chinese Communist Party to undermine the State of Michigan and gain greater access to our State and our country.

Make no mistake about it, this Gotion plant poses a huge threat to our national security. That is why I am standing before you today to call out Gotion and the CCP for their plot to ransack Michigan.

I will not stand for this blatant attack by the Communist Party, and I will not sit idly by and watch this happen.

Mr. Chairman, I stand here today enraged that we are debating a bill to protect women and girls in sports.

I am enraged not because I disagree with the legislation, in fact, I fully support the legislation. I am enraged by the fact that we have reached a point in this country where we have to talk about a bill to protect women and women's sports is even necessary.

When Congress passed Title IX in this very Chamber a half a century ago, I thought it was supposed to be a victory for women across the United States.

At what point did we throw it away and make it meaningless?

Do we not care about women?

Did we forget about the women and the young girls?

Listen, as a wife, as a mother, as a female athlete, and as a coach of female athletes, I take offense to this, because now 50 years later, we are in the same Chamber, debating the merits of protecting women's sports, once again.

The left's hypocrisy on this issue has resulted in women being demolished in competitions, physically brutalized going up against stronger opponents. They are losing individual games, State championships, and NCAA's championships to biological males that have decided to become a woman.

That is their right, but what about the women's rights? What about the rights of the young girls? Do they not have any rights anymore?

Let's be clear about something: My Democratic colleagues can see what is going on and what is happening, and I believe they know that this is wrong, as well. That is why they hide behind it and don't deal with the real issue.

Because of that reason, I am enraged today that we are debating a bill that should not require any debate at all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Tyler Jamison, Michigan's 2023 Mr. Basketball award recipient. Tyler is from Michigan's Ninth District, playing basketball for the Huskies of Port Huron Northern.

Let's just say Tyler is really good. This season, Tyler averaged over 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He led his team to the district semifinals just a couple of weeks ago.

Tyler is not only an impressive athlete. He is an impressive student, too. This year, while playing basketball at an extremely high level, Tyler has maintained a 4.7 GPA--quite an impressive and incredible number.

This showcases his hard work and dedication to important things in life, such as education.

I congratulate Tyler on becoming our State's Mr. Basketball, and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Tyler.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the life and service of my friend, Virginia native, and United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Carlton ``Shady'' Schelhorn. Colonel Schelhorn, who for 23 years dedicated his life to protecting our country's freedom, is being interred today at Arlington National Cemetery.

The late grandfather of a member of my staff and teammate, Ryland Bennett, Colonel Schelhorn was a loving parent, friend, and inspiration to many. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and proud advocate of those willing to sacrifice everything for the sanctity of our nation, I am deeply honored to include in the Record this hero's obituary.

[From the Richmond Times-Dispatch]

Carlton ``Shady'' Schelhorn, LTC., 1931-2022

LTC Carlton ``Shady'' Schelhorn of Mechanicsville, formerly

of Alexandria, passed away on December 14, 2022.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Pat;

children, Chip Schelhorn (Julie), Lynn Michaux (Jody), Cathy

D'Antuono (Steve) and Nancy Bennett (Mark); nine

grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Shady was a 1955

University of Virginia graduate, where he played football and

was a member of Phi Delta Theta.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 23

years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Known for his incredible sense of humor and charm, Shady

never met a stranger. He was always the loudest voice in the

room, an excellent dancer and fond of martinis. His family

was his greatest pride and joy; ``G-Dad'' was adored in

return.

Some of his favorite pastimes included golfing, especially

with the Over-The-Hill Hoos, spending winters in Marco

Island, Florida and lately watching ``Grit'' TV.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the month of March as Women's History Month. This is a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the women throughout American history who have helped shape our Nation.

Let me be clear: I do mean Women's History Month. Women have been fighting for over a century for our right to vote, our right to be heard, and our right to have a seat at the table.

Now, the woke left is claiming that instead of celebrating women this month, we should be celebrating birthing people.

Well, last I checked, the only person who could actually give birth was a woman, but let's not let the facts get in the way of a good story.

They claim the phrase ``woman'' is offensive to trans women, and because of that, we should choose a more inclusive phrase.

Well, let me just say: I will be celebrating Women's History Month. I will not celebrate the woke left forcing the rest of America to call a man a woman, especially when these men are actively threatening women's rights by demanding to be allowed to compete in sports against biological women like Riley Gaines.

So congratulations to all the women.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the unborn; for the protection and the defense of the most vulnerable among us.

I stand here today because this week the Republican majority is doing what the previous Congress refused to do, and that is uphold the right to life.

For far too long we have seen pro-life facilities vandalized and broken into. For far too long we have watched as Democrats refuse to protect born alive babies. Think about that for a moment. These babies are born alive, breathing outside the womb, and the Democrats want to kill them. They do not protect them.

This week, we right those wrongs and we defend life in America. It is well past time for the United States Congress, for this body, to uphold the guarantees laid out in the Declaration of Independence that we are endowed by our creator with the unalienable right to life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Richard Charles Tarte who passed away on November 1, 2022, at the age of 86.

Richard was born on September 14, 1936, to Charles and Eva Tarte, and grew up in Garden City, Michigan. On August 28, 1959, Richard joined the Army and was a part of Company D, 3rd Engineer Battalion in Germany. During his service, he made the rank of Specialist 4th class before being honorably discharged on July 31, 1965.

Richard learned the carpentry trade from his father and after finishing his career in the service started his own roofing and siding company. He also married Sally and made Jackson, Michigan a home. He was a resident of Jackson until his passing.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the life of this great American. I send my most heartfelt condolences to Richard's many loved ones, and I hope they find comfort during this difficult time in the knowledge that Richard lived a full, enriching life. There is nothing more one can ask for. We thank Richard for his service to our country and to his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 154.

It has come to my attention that this chapter has been graciously hosting monthly luncheons at Oakmont Sterling Senior Community in my district. The love and appreciation they show to the veteran residents of this senior community, and the surrounding area, is so valuable to enriching the lives of our senior veterans.

This chapter of heroes selflessly honors and cherishes those who have served our country. I am so proud of their patriotism and continued service to our veteran commnunity. I thank them for the joy they bring to senior veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lapeer County Search and Rescue, a team of dedicated and extensively trained volunteers.

Lapeer County Search and Rescue, known as LCSAR is a non-profit sub- division of the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department. The group of dedicated and highly skilled volunteers train and plan year-round to execute searches to locate lost or missing persons, both in urban and wilderness environments. The division uses a wide variety of technical skills to meet the needs of each unique and time critical scenario. The team has expertise in ground searchers, mounted resources, trackers, ATV's, radio communications, and certified K9 teams.

This team of selfless volunteers is a beacon of community strength. They give families hope in the toughest times, and answers when they are needed most. I commend the Lapeer County Search and Rescue Team for their heroism and constant preparation to keep our community safe.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and highlight the work of some extraordinary female leaders in our country who are being honored by She Leads America as ``Christian Women of Distinction.''

For my constituents back in Michigan, I try and lead by example through my faith and commitment to public service. But many times, people don't look to Washington for their role models. Fortunately, it does not take long to find others guided by their strong moral compass, faith, and commitment to selfless public service. Today, I honor some of these women, who through their tireless dedication, have shattered glass ceilings and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. For my part, I remain committed to defending religious freedom here in Congress to ensure each of these women, and all of my constituents, never have to compromise their religious beliefs in order to conform to whatever the trending culture is at the moment.

One of these women, Nancy ``Honeytree'' Miller, is a global ambassador for Christian Music. Raised in a family of classical musicians, she recorded her first album in 1973. Known as the ``First Lady of Jesus Music,'' she was one of the pioneers of Christian contemporary music. Over her 49-year career, she has recorded 17 albums in 3 different languages. After her ``Jesus Music'' era, Nancy became an ordained minister and developed a specialized ministry to singles, while continuing to write and record. She ministered in prisons for a time alongside Prison Fellowship. After marriage and family, she developed an international focus, ministering in several countries and recording albums in Spanish and Urdu. Not only has she been an enduring presence to her generation, but she continues to inspire young Christian artists in Pakistan and Latin America.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Nancy, know full well the impact they have had on countless lives. These women are trailblazers, and the example they have set will be followed by people of my district, and many other Americans, for years to come. I thank each of them for their passion and commitment. This honor is well-deserved.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and highlight the work of some extraordinary female leaders in our country who are being honored by She Leads America as ``Christian Women of Distinction.''

For my constituents back in Michigan, I try and lead by example through my faith and commitment to public service. But many times, people don't look to Washington for their role models. Fortunately, it does not take long to find others guided by their strong moral compass, faith, and commitment to selfless public service. Today, I honor some of these women, who through their tireless dedication, have shattered glass ceilings and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. For my part, I remain committed to defending religious freedom here in Congress to ensure each of these women, and all of my constituents, never have to compromise their religious beliefs in order to conform to whatever the trending culture is at the moment.

One of these women, Lynn Fitch, is the 40th and current Attorney General for the state of Mississippi. At the age of 23, she began her legal career as a Special Assistant Attorney General at the Mississippi Attorney General's Office. She continued her career accumulating more than 35 years of legal experience both in private practice and public service as State Treasurer, Vice President for the National Association of Treasurers, and Chair of the State Financial Officers Foundation. She served on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Attorneys General and is currently serving as Co-Chair of the National Association of Attorneys General Human Trafficking Conunittee. She was named in TIME's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022 and has also been active in her community, serving as a board member of several charitable organizations.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Attorney General Fitch, know full well the impact they have had on countless lives. These women are trailblazers, and the example they have set will be followed by people of my district, and many other Americans, for years to come. I thank each of them for their passion and commitment. This honor is well-deserved.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and highlight the work of some extraordinary female leaders in our country who are being honored by She Leads America as ``Christian Women of Distinction.''

For my constituents back in Michigan, I try and lead by example through my faith and commitment to public service. But many times, people don't look to Washington for their role models. Fortunately, it does not take long to find others guided by their strong moral compass, faith, and commitment to selfless public service. Today, I honor some of these women, who through their tireless dedication, have shattered glass ceilings and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. For my part, I remain committed to defending religious freedom here in Congress to ensure each of these women, and all of my constituents, never have to compromise their religious beliefs in order to conform to whatever the trending culture is at the moment.

One of these women, Dr. Madeline Manning Mims, is an author, international speaker, contemporary gospel recording artist, and a member of many Halls of Fame. Madeline is a gold and silver Olympic medalist in track. She pioneered the 800-meter run for the United States by being the first (and until Tokyo 2021, a 53-year span) only American woman to bring back a gold medal in this event, along with the Olympic Record, World Record and American Record. She has been a member of four Olympic teams for the United States and was the first American woman to break the 2-minute barrier in the 800-meter. She is a leader among world athletes and the founder and president of the United States Council for Sports Chaplaincy, serving as a chaplain since 1988 for the Olympic games.

Madam Speaker I hope these women, such as Madeline, know full well the impact they have had on countless lives. These women are trailblazers, and the example they have set will be followed by people of my district, and many other Americans, for years to come. I thank each of them for their passion and commitment. This honor is well- deserved.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and highlight the work of some extraordinary female leaders in our country who are being honored by She Leads America as ``Christian Women of Distinction.''

For my constituents back in Michigan, I try and lead by example through my faith and commitment to public service. But many times, people don't look to Washington for their role models. Fortunately, it does not take long to find others guided by their strong moral compass, faith, and commitment to selfless public service. Today, I honor some of these women, who through their tireless dedication, have shattered glass ceilings and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. For my part, I remain committed to defending religious freedom here in Congress to ensure each of these women, and all of my constituents, never have to compromise their religious beliefs in order to conform to whatever the trending culture is at the moment.

One of these women, Winsome Sears, is the Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is the first woman in this role, and the first black woman elected to statewide office. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Winsome immigrated at the age of six to the United States. Since coming to the U.S., Winsome has served our country honorably in the Marine Corps, and as Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education. A trained electrician and successful businesswoman, her most proud community work is leading a men's prison ministry and directing a women's homeless shelter.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Lieutenant Governor Sears, know full well the impact they have had on countless lives. These women are trailblazers, and the example they have set will be followed by people of my district, and many other Americans, for years to come. I thank each of them for their passion and commitment. This honor is well-deserved.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and highlight the work of some extraordinary female leaders in our country who are being honored by She Leads America as ``Christian Women of Distinction.''

For my constituents back in Michigan, I try and lead by example through my faith and commitment to public service. But many times, people don't look to Washington for their role models. Fortunately, it does not take long to find others guided by their strong moral compass, faith, and commitment to selfless public service. Today, I honor some of these women, who through their tireless dedication, have shattered glass ceilings and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. For my part, I remain committed to defending religious freedom here in Congress to ensure each of these women, and all of my constituents, never have to compromise their religious beliefs in order to conform to whatever the trending culture is at the moment.

One of these women, Dr. Carol Swain, has risen from adversity to become an award-winning political scientist, former tenured professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt Universities, public intellectual, speaker, entrepreneur, commentator, and author or editor of eleven books. She is passionate about empowering others to confidently raise their voices in the public square and so founded the Be the People Project (BTPP). Her clarion call is for ``We the People to stand up and Be the People'' who change our nation and world. Dr. Swain served on the Tennessee Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the 1776 Commission. Her research has won national awards and has been cited in three U.S. Supreme Court cases.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Dr. Swain, know full well the impact they have had on countless lives. These women are trailblazers, and the example they have set will be followed by people of my district, and many other Americans, for years to come. I thank each of them for their passion and commitment. This honor is well- deserved.