Floor Statements

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, Sharon Weston Broome, is the first female Mayor- President of the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish. Prior to this role, she served as a Baton Rouge Metro City Council member, a Louisiana State Representative, and a Louisiana State Senator. As Mayor her focus has

been on improving the quality of life for citizens, while building resiliency through infrastructure improvements. Another major priority in her life is her faith and her family.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Mayor Broome, 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, Libia Duran, was born in Columbia, South America, and is a community leader concerned with the education of children, youth, and their families at the local and national level. Her dream is to see all minority families across the nation fully engaged and invested in their children's education. This dream was born as a result of the experience she had as an immigrant mother in the public school system in the United States. She became an advocate through serving the community in leadership roles, volunteering at the elementary school level. For this work, she received the Maryland Governor's ``Volunteer of the Year'' award. Libia also founded Pastors Wives of America, an organization that focuses on empowering women with leadership potential by equipping families to become engaged in the education of their children.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Libia, 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, Kristi Noem, is the current, and the first, female Governor of South Dakota.

Governor Noem is a small business owner, a rancher, a farmer, and former member of the South Dakota state legislature and United States House of Representatives. As a believer that government should serve the people, she works night and day to ensure her constituents have ample opportunities given to them for a chance at a brighter future.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Governor Noem, 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, Elsa Prince Broekhuizen, has inspired many with her time, talent, and treasure. Elsa was born in Holland, Michigan, the beloved daughter of hard-working greenhouse owners. Elsa, along with her late husband, Ed, started Prince Corporation. With their giving spirit, they branched into community responsibility, investing deeply of their time and resources to create partnerships and revitalize their own downtown Holland. Their principled investment continued to grow nationally and globally. Elsa's unwavering convictions and deeply loving heart have helped many successful people and organizations grow at home, across the nation, and around the world.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Elsa, 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, Kathleen Cooke, is a leading figure in the entertainment industry, who along with her husband Phil, co-founded the Cooke Media Group where she oversees casting and creative development. They also founded the Influence Lab, a nonprofit that internationally mentors leaders on the use of media. Among her other endeavors, Kathleen is an actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild, adjunct professor at Biola University, founder of the Christian Women in Media Association's Hollywood chapter, and national advisory board member for the Salvation Army.

Madam Speaker, I hope these women, such as Kathleen, 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 today to recognize the 2022 St. Clair County Veteran of the Year, Kevin L. Jones of the Marine Corps League, Belcher-Lane-Williams Detachment 146.

Kevin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1974 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant infantry officer in 1978. He served in many roles as a commanding officer and has been deployed around the world.

After his distinguished military career, Kevin dedicated his life to serving the veterans in his community. He has been instrumental in establishing and forming a General Motors salaried veterans' group and was recognized by USA Today for his role in hiring veterans. Kevin is a member of several veteran advocacy organizations and has been vital in promoting the health and advancement of fellow veterans in his community. He is the Vice Chairman of the Saint Clair County Veterans Affairs Board of Commissioners. He also holds several leadership roles within his detachment of the Marine Corps League. Additionally, he is a member of the American Legion and AMVETS.

I congratulate and thank Kevin for his selfless dedication to our veterans and community. It is vital that we continue to support and honor those who have risked their lives and given so much to our country. I applaud and recognize Kevin Jones for all he has done for our country and his fellow veterans.

Mr. Chair, my amendment to H.R. 7780 would establish that parents have the right to be informed of any mental health-related issues with their children. In other words, schools may not hide critical information from parents.

Before my colleagues say this isn't necessary or this isn't needed, just open social media. You will find examples of teachers and school personnel bragging about how they covertly discuss transgender issues with their students, regardless of their accordance with schools or State laws.

I think it is disappointing that it has come to this, that on the House floor, we have to make an affirmative case for parents' rights. Yet, here we are.

School officials and personnel are not the parents. School officials and personnel have no right to ignore a parent's decision on what they think is best for their child.

This amendment protects both parents and students. It would ensure that parents are never excluded from their children's health conversations and that teachers and administrators can't make these decisions unilaterally.

If you want to protect children, believe in families and support hardworking parents, then you must agree with us and support our motion to recommit.

Every mother and father in this Chamber should want to know what is happening with their children. Every one of us has the right to know what a person is telling our child.

If we adopt the motion to recommit, we will instruct the Committee on Education and Labor to consider my amendment, H.R. 7780, to protect parents' rights.

I include in the Record the text of the amendment.

Add at the end the following:

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment so we can provide the assurance to parents that they have the right to protect their children.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reiterate an important statement made by our President: The pandemic is over.

This weekend on ``60 Minutes,'' President Biden finally said what most Americans have known for months: We are no longer in the COVID-19 pandemic.

So if the President just admitted it, that means the national emergency is over, correct?

If that is the case, then why did the President just tell the country that the pandemic is so bad that we should forgive billions of dollars of student debt, or that it is because of the ongoing pandemic that we must continue to enforce a vaccine mandate on our Nation's military?

I will tell you why--it is because it was never about the pandemic. It was about the President bypassing Congress and the Constitution to push his radical socialist agenda.

Mr. Speaker, President Biden himself has said the pandemic is over. It is past time that we strip him of his emergency powers and end the vaccine mandates and reject all COVID-related funding requests.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thelma Castillo and The Blue Water Area Chamber in Port Huron, Michigan for supporting, celebrating, and growing small businesses in Michigan.

The Blue Water Area Chamber is hosting a MI New Favorite Snack competition this fall. The competition gives businesses with 10 or fewer employees a chance at a generous cash prize. This opportunity allows up and coming businesses the chance to show off their products and promote them in an exciting new way. Participants look forward to the marketing benefits as well as a chance at winning the cash prize to invest in the growth of their business.

Small businesses are a critical part of our economy and community. We must continue to help them grow by supporting them in any way we can. I applaud the work of Thelma Castillo and The Blue Water Area Chamber for recognizing small businesses in Michigan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Lapeer Chief of Police Dave Frisch, who will be retiring on September 23, 2022, after more than 30 years of serving our community in law enforcement.

Chief Frisch has lived the mantra of ``to protect and to serve''. His leadership has enabled Lapeer to be a peaceful community for the families and individuals who make it their home. It may not have always been easy, but Chief Frisch has served with honor, dignity, and grace.

The community of Lapeer and the State of Michigan thank Chief Frisch for his decades of service. I wish him and his wife, Arlene, the best as they embark upon their next chapter together. He has left big shoes to fill, but I am

confident the leadership he has displayed in his decades of service will be followed in the Lapeer community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for holding this very serious and very important Special Order.

A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court delivered the greatest victory for life this country has ever seen when it rightly held that the ability to kill an unborn child is not a constitutional right and returned the authority to regulate abortion back to the people and their elected Representatives.

Sadly, we have seen some elected officials who care more about appeasing the fringes of their base than defending our institution and respecting the document that they swore to uphold and defend.

President Biden, for example, a former longtime supporter of letting the States decide their abortion policies, he sees fit to ignore the ruling. In a feeble attempt to quiet his far-left critics, he is seeking to unilaterally expand the ability to kill an unborn child.

I am curious. Does he not know that we have rule of law in this country with a system actually built on checks and balances? The President has been in Washington since before Roe, so I think he should at least have a basic understanding of our government and the rule of law.

I would say this: Mr. President, these efforts will be in vain. You must remember the oath that you took and the document you swore to uphold. Mr. President, the Supreme Court and the Constitution are clear: You and your bureaucratic underlings at HHS do not have the authority to unilaterally make law. That is up to the people's Representatives. Please remember that.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. On July 8, there was a terrible car crash in Sherman Township in my district that involved two of my constituents, Vincent Joseph Bechard and Peter Kreiner.

Sadly, this tragedy took the life of 67-year-old Vincent from Marlette. Vincent is survived by his children and several grandchildren. This horrific accident has also put 62-year-old Peter Kreiner, also from Marlette, in the hospital in critical condition.

Both men have championed the right to life and been decades-long devotees to our country, our communities, and its founding ideals. Their impact on their community will be felt long after this terrible tragedy.

My prayers go out to the families of Vincent and Peter, and I am asking my colleagues in this Chamber to please pray for Mr. Bechard's family and for the speedy and full recovery of Peter Kreiner.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Major John W. Barry USA (Ret.), who will be interred on Friday June 17th at Arlington National Cemetery.

John was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1930. He later became a native of St. Clair, Michigan, before passing away on January 9, 2021.

John lived a long and fruitful life devoted to service, country, and family. Enlisting in the Army in 1952, John had a 20-year career that was defined by distinguished service and leadership. During this time, John earned his aviation wings in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, and fought in the Korea and Vietnam conflicts as a Huey Helicopter Captain, In Vietnam, he and his co-pilot were wounded and later received the Purple Heart for wounds in action.

In addition to the Purple Heart, John received 20 other honors, which were awarded for missions flown, contact with the enemy, and individually. These honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Service Medal (Korea), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Army Commendation, and much more.

Upon his retirement, John worked at Prestolite and Port Huron schools before his eventual retirement in 1999. In addition, John was a VFW Life Member and member of American Legion Post 449.

Madam Speaker, I thank John for his service to our country and the example he set for all Michiganders. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones who I hope find solace in the fact that John lived a long, distinguished, and full life. They could not ask for anything more. Again, I thank Major Barry; we will never forget his service.

Madam Speaker, I think what we need, again, is a little truth, transparency, and consistency.

I will share, as a mother of four, I resent the fact that you tell me that I don't care about children. In fact, when you have soft-on-crime policies, I need my Second Amendment right to protect my own children because the soft-on-crime policies don't help.

During these debates, on these unconstitutional--you know the thing we all took an oath to uphold--gun bills, the Democrats have been making the claim, well, if you can't buy alcohol or cigarettes, you shouldn't be able to buy an AR-15.

All right. Let's stick with that concept. Here is a concept: Apply it throughout every form. But let's talk about a couple of things that the Democrats feel you are mature enough to do under the age of 18. Because, once again, their standards clearly aren't consistent. What a concept, to be consistent.

Democrats believe that under the age of 18, you should be able to get an abortion. While you are at it, don't even talk to your parents about it.

Under the age of 18, Democrats think you should be able to change your sex without notifying parents.

At 18, you can vote.

At 18, you can join the military and lay your life on the line for this country.

And I bet they think that the 18-year-old Buffalo shooter is actually mature enough to be charged as an adult, right?

So, again, let's have some consistency in our standards.

Mr. Speaker, today an armed man with the intent to kill justice Kavanaugh was arrested near the Justice's home. The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill that would provide security to the Justices and their families. Yet House Democrats have refused to act on it.

Unlike the bills we voted on today, we actually have a bipartisan, commonsense solution to protect one of our Nation's most sacred institutions. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table S. 4160 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.