Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary member of the Cass City community, Phil Nichols, as the recipient of the Cass City 2026 Citizen of the Year Award. His leadership, dedication, and lifelong commitment to service have made a profound and lasting impact on our community.

Phil has devoted much of his life to mentoring and supporting the youth of Cass City, encouraging their growth, achievements, and involvement in community service. Through his guidance and example, he has inspired young people to reach their potential and contribute meaningfuly to the community around them.

In addition to his work with youth, Phil has been actively involved in numerous community and service organizations, helping strengthen these institutions through his reliability, leadership, and selfless dedication.

Phil's character has also been shaped by a lifetime of service, including honorable military duty beginning in 1968. During nineteen months of service, he demonstrated extraordinary courage and patriotism, earning distinguished honors such as the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Even beyond his military service, Phil has continued to serve his community through volunteerism, mentorship, and leadership, embodying the spirit of servant leadership.

Above all, Phil's contributions reflect a life devoted to helping others, strengthening Cass City, and setting an example of integrity, generosity, and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Phil Nichols for his exceptional contributions to the Cass City community. His leadership, character, and dedication set a

standard for all, and his legacy of service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luke Joslyn, recipient of the Caro Chamber of Commerce 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year Award, whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on the Caro community.

Luke has demonstrated a strong commitment to service through a wide range of volunteer efforts in his community. He has supported initiatives such as the Special Olympics, local food banks, and 4-H events, while also dedicating his time to youth programs, church activities, and community improvement projects. Whether assisting at school events, helping with seasonal projects, or engaging with community members, he consistently shows a genuine willingness to serve others.

In addition to his service, Luke has built an impressive record as a student-athlete. A multi-sport competitor in football, basketball, track & field, skeet & trap, and wrestling, he has earned numerous honors at the conference, regional, and state levels. He has also served as a team captain, demonstrating responsibility and commitment to his team.

Beyond athletics, Luke has been actively involved in student leadership and extracurricular activities. Through his roles in student council, including serving in executive positions, as well as his participation in youth leadership programs and school organizations, he has shown a deep commitment to leadership and civic engagement.

Through his participation in school and community activities, Luke has shown a strong

sense of community spirit and engagement. His character, work ethic, and willingness to serve others truly set him apart as a role model among his peers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Luke Joslyn for his accomplishments and for the leadership, integrity, and dedication he has shown as a representative of the Caro community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary member of the Caro community, Jerry Bernhardt, as the recipient of the Caro Chamber of Commerce 2025 Citizen of the Year Award. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on the Caro community.

Jerry has served as treasurer for the Caro Rotary Club for more than 15 years, providing steady leadership while helping guide major projects. His commitment to service extends across a wide range of efforts, including tree-planting initiatives, the Adopt-a-Highway program, Pumpkin Festival activities, Coats for Kids, holiday gift drives for students in need, and the Rotary Student Exchange Program, where he has helped inspire young people to broaden their horizons. Through each of these initiatives, he has played a meaningful role in strengthening and supporting the Caro community.

In addition, Jerry has served his church through pastoral duties and as treasurer, while spearheading the Furniture Program, which provides essential household items to families in need. He is a founding member of the Tuscola County Spartans Alumni Association, helping plan the Annual Sparty Party Scholarship Fundraiser, which awards scholarships to local students attending Michigan State University. He has volunteered with the Good Samaritan Fund, writing grants that secured vital assistance for families in need, and also contributed his time to organizations such as the Janks Foundation, the McComb School as a lunch buddy, and Habitat for Humanity.

Yet above all, Jerry's greatest role is that of husband, father, and grandfather. His family describes him as a patient and positive role model who teaches that life's challenges are met with resilience, faith, and optimism.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jerry Bernhardt for his extraordinary contributions to the Caro community. His leadership, integrity, and devotion to family and community set an example for all, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bobbie Fullmer, recipient of the Caro Chamber of Commerce 2025 Merit Award, whose leadership, dedication, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on the Caro community.

Bobbie's story is one of both commitment and heart. She spent her early years in Lansing before returning to Caro, where she attended Caro Community Schools and graduated from Caro High School. She went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees in business. Even while pursuing her education, Bobbie remained closely connected to her hometown, regularly returning on weekends to support her family's business, Caro Rental.

Bobbie later returned home to care for her mother alongside her sister, Debbie, showing remarkable strength and devotion during a difficult time. Following her mother's passing, she continued to support her father and assist with the family business until his passing as well. Today, Bobbie and Debbie carry on that legacy as they continue to operate Caro Rental, grounded in a deep commitment to service and their community.

Bobbie has followed in her father's footsteps by actively participating in civic and community organizations, including the Caro Chamber of Commerce, Caro Rotary, Caro Lions Club, Michigan State University Alumni, and the Caro Moose Lodge. Her unwavering dedication, selfless service, and generosity of time have strengthened the fabric of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bobbie Fullmer for her outstanding contributions to the Caro community. Her commitment, compassion, and leadership make her a true role model, and her lasting impact will continue to inspire the community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara Feingold for her steadfast leadership, devoted public service, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community and the enduring alliance between the United States and the State of Israel.

Barbara Feingold currently serves as a Presidential Appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, having been appointed in May 2025. In this role, she contributes to the mission of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and ensure that future generations remember the lessons of history so that such atrocities are never repeated.

A respected national leader, Barbara serves as a National Board Member and Florida Chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition, where she works tirelessly to strengthen the voice of Jewish conservatives and advance the values of faith, freedom, and democratic partnership. She is also a National Board Member of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, where she actively works alongside elected officials and community leaders to combat antisemitism and promote unwavering support for Israel and Jewish causes. In March 2026, she was awarded the highest honor from the Zionist Organization of America, the Justice Louis D. Brandeis Exemplary Defender of Israel Award.

Barbara has long been a passionate advocate for the principle of ``Never Again.'' In 2025, she participated in the March of the Living, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. Following this solemn journey of remembrance, she traveled to Israel on a fact-finding mission to further deepen her understanding and strengthen her advocacy for the Jewish state and its people.

An engaging public speaker and dedicated philanthropist, Barbara has spent decades advancing causes that strengthen the Jewish community both in the United States and abroad. Her philanthropic work includes longstanding involvement with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, where she and her family sponsor an Israel Defense Forces battalion and built the Feingold Family Synagogue on an IDF base in the Negev, an enduring symbol of faith and support for those who defend Israel's security.

Barbara's commitment to public service extends to education. She served on the Florida State Board of Education, helping guide education policy for the state, and later served as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Florida Atlantic University, contributing to the advancement of higher education and academic opportunity.

Her professional journey began in the field of education as a speech and language pathologist. Alongside her late husband, Jeffrey, Barbara co-founded MCNA Dental, building it into the largest privately held dental insurance company in the United States before its sale in 2020. Through hard work, vision, and dedication, she helped create a company that served millions of families across our Nation.

Above all, Barbara Feingold is a devoted mother and grandmother. She takes her greatest pride in her three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom live near her in South Florida and remain the center of her life and inspiration for her continued service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Barbara Feingold for her distinguished service, her tireless advocacy against antisemitism, and her enduring commitment to the security of Israel, the strength of the Jewish community, and the preservation of freedom and memory for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Senior Master Sergeant Charles M. Nitz for his distinguished service to our Nation and community and to honor him as our March 2026 Veteran of the Month. His decades of service reflect a steadfast dedication to duty, leadership, and service to others.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Senior Master Sergeant Nitz entered Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in 1984. He completed technical training and was assigned to the 81st Component Repair Squadron in the United Kingdom, where he earned the John L. Levitow Honor Graduate Award, demonstrating his commitment to excellence early in his career.

In 1988, Mr. Nitz was assigned to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, serving as a Flightline Maintenance Technician and supported the Advanced Cruise Missile test flight program. He was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School at Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana, and earned the title of Strategic Air Command Master Technician.

Throughout his career, Senior Master Sergeant Nitz held key leadership and operational roles in Germany, Maryland, Korea, and California. He oversaw maintenance and support for mission-critical intelligence systems, implemented protective modifications for aircrews during operations in Bosnia, and ensured successful unmanned aerial vehicle missions in support of Air Intelligence Agency and NATO operations, reflecting his commitment to mission success and the safety of others.

After his promotion to Senior Master Sergeant in 2002, Mr. Nitz served as Maintenance Operations Flight Chief at the 352d Maintenance Squadron in the United Kingdom. His leadership contributed to the unit earning an overall ``Excellent'' rating during the 2005 Operational Readiness Inspection. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 2006, Mr. Nitz returned to Michigan and continued serving his community as an instructor with the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps in Melvindale. He currently serves as Supervisor of Operations at the U.S. Secret Service Detroit Field Office.

Mr. Nitz lives in Macomb Township with his wife of 41 years, Lisa. They are proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to six grandchildren. Together, they enjoy traveling, biking, and spending time with their family.

Mr. Speaker, Senior Master Sergeant Charles M. Nitz's decades of dedicated service, both in uniform and in his community, exemplify honor, leadership, and commitment to our Nation. It is my great privilege to recognize him and to honor his service as our March 2026 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara Feingold for her steadfast leadership, devoted public service, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community and the enduring alliance between the United States and the State of Israel.

Barbara currently serves as a Presidential Appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, having been appointed in May 2025. In this role, she contributes to the mission of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and ensure that future generations remember the lessons of history so that such atrocities are never repeated.

A respected national leader, Barbara serves as a National Board Member and Florida Chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition, where she works tirelessly to strengthen the voice of Jewish conservatives and advance the values of faith, freedom, and democratic partnership. She is also a National Board Member of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, where she actively works alongside elected officials and community leaders to combat antisemitism and promote unwavering support for Israel and Jewish causes. Barbara has long been a passionate advocate for the principle of ``Never Again.'' In 2025, she participated in the March of the Living, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. Following this solemn journey of remembrance, she traveled to Israel on a fact-finding mission to further deepen her understanding and strengthen her advocacy for the Jewish state and its people.

An engaging public speaker and dedicated philanthropist, Barbara has spent decades advancing causes that strengthen the Jewish community both in the United States and abroad. Her philanthropic work includes longstanding involvement with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, where she and her family sponsor an Israel Defense Forces battalion and helped build a synagogue on an IDF base in the Negev--an enduring symbol of faith and support for those who defend Israel's security.

Barbara's commitment to public service extends to education. She served on the Florida State Board of Education, helping guide education policy for the state, and later served as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Florida Atlantic University, contributing to the advancement of higher education and academic opportunity.

Her professional journey began in the field of education as a speech and language pathologist. Alongside her late husband, Jeffery, Barbara co-founded MCNA Dental, building it into the largest privately held dental insurance company in the United States before its sale in 2020. Through hard work, vision, and dedication, she helped create a company that served millions of families across our Nation.

Above all, Barbara Feingold is a devoted mother and grandmother. She takes her greatest pride in her three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom live near her in South Florida and remain the center of her life and inspiration for her continued service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Barbara Feingold for her distinguished service, her tireless advocacy against antisemitism, and her enduring commitment to the security of Israel, the strength of the Jewish community, and the preservation of freedom and memory for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Information Quality Assurance Act. This bill is common sense and restores accountability, transparency, and trust in how the Federal Government uses information to make decisions that impact the American people.

Every day, Federal agencies issue regulations that affect our workers, our small businesses, and our local communities. These decisions can carry billions of dollars of economic consequences. Yet, too often, those rules are based on incomplete data, outdated science, or information that hasn't been properly reviewed for accuracy or transparency. That is simply bad governing.

Americans deserve to know that when Washington bureaucrats act, they are using reliable, high-quality information, not assumptions, not political agendas, and not flawed data.

My bill strengthens safeguards to ensure Federal agencies rely on data that meets clear standards for objectivity, integrity, and accountability before new regulations move forward. This bill makes government work better. It ensures decisions are guided by facts, and it protects taxpayers from costly regulatory mistakes.

Businesses, job creators, and families deserve confidence that Federal rules are grounded in reality and not bureaucracy. At its core, this is about trust. It is about trust that government decisions are fair, trust that agencies are transparent, and trust that the American people come before politics.

The Information Quality Assurance Act reinforces a basic principle. Better information leads to better policy, and better policy leads to better outcomes for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that this effort brings accountability back into the rulemaking process, and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Della Hammond, the 2026 Lapeer Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and to commend her for decades of dedicated service and leadership in her community.

For more than 20 years, Ms. Hammond served on the board of directors of the Human Development Commission, where she helped advance programs supporting vulnerable families, including Early Head Start, senior nutrition services, emergency sheltering, and winterization assistance. She also played an active role in fundraising efforts such as Walk for Warmth, helping families facing Michigan's harsh winters.

An active member of Grace Episcopal Church, Ms. Hammond volunteers in the soup kitchen, supports charitable outreach during Lapeer Days, and leads her church's participation in Holiday Depot to ensure families in need experience the joy of the Christmas season.

A founding member of the Lapeer County Community Foundation, she helped establish a lasting legacy of scholarships and community grants, including the creation of the Women's Fund to support women and children. Her service also includes involvement with Love INC, the Business and Professional Women's Club of Lapeer, and leadership within her church's women's organization, supporting causes such as The Refuge, Stone Soup Food Bank, and the Lapeer City Police Officers Charitable Fund.

Della Hammond exemplifies the very best of citizenship. Her compassion, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service have made Lapeer County stronger.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Della Hammond on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer Second Class Katrina Gramer for her honorable service to the United States Navy and her unwavering dedication to supporting our veteran community. Her service in uniform and her continued dedication to fellow veterans represents the very best of our service members and the values they uphold. It is my privilege to recognize her as our February 2026 Veteran of the Month.

A native of Port Huron, Michigan, Petty Officer Gramer enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999. She completed basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois, and went on to attend Anti-Submarine Warfare Training School in San Diego, California, where she trained as a Sonar Technician.

Her first duty station was in Yokosuka, Japan. While her ship was operating in the Middle East, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred. In the days that followed, her ship launched some of the first Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, answering our Nation's call during a defining moment in American history. She later served in California, continuing her dedicated service.

Throughout her time in uniform, Petty Officer Gramer earned numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. These awards recognize her hard work and the strong performance of the units she served with.

Following her honorable discharge in 2005, Mrs. Gramer continued to pursue excellence. She earned two degrees: one in Early Childhood Development and another in Business Administration. She successfully operated a home childcare business while raising her three children. Once her children reached school age, she discovered a new calling: serving those who have served.

Mrs. Gramer has devoted herself to supporting veterans and their families. She has held leadership positions within her local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, maintains membership in her local American Legion Post, and has served as both Co-Director and Vice President of a local veterans' resource center. She is an active member of her local honor guard, where she performs live taps at services and provides honors at football games, ceremonies, and parades, ensuring that the sacrifices of our service members are remembered with dignity and respect.

Today, she serves as a Veteran Service Officer for the Vietnam Veterans of America Michigan State Council. In this role, she assists veterans, their families, surviving spouses, and caregivers in navigating the VA benefits system. She takes great pride in ensuring that those who served our Nation receive the benefits and recognition they have earned.

Mrs. Gramer currently resides in Holly, Michigan with her husband, their three children, and their beloved pets, including her trained service dog, Tinkerbell. She is a proud Navy mother, as her oldest child currently serves on active duty, carrying forward the family's strong tradition of military service. Together, their family enjoys camping, kayaking, bonfires, and sharing meals with one another.

Mr. Speaker, Petty Officer Second Class Katrina Gramer's commitment to service extends far beyond her time in uniform. Through her leadership, advocacy, and tireless work on behalf of veterans and their families, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our nation. It is my great privilege to recognize her dedication and to honor her as our February 2026 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ryan Wilson, recipient of the Lapeer Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, whose generosity and dedication to service have strengthened families, schools, and community organizations throughout Lapeer County.

Ryan has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to local students and families by helping pay down school lunch debt in the North Branch, Almont, and Imlay City School Districts. He actively supports school and community fundraisers by selling tickets, hosting bottle drives, and donating gift cards, food, and meat to organizations such as The Refuge and numerous school programs.

Ryan maintains a shelf stocked with free, nonperishable food items available to anyone in need--no questions asked. He sponsors youth and adult baseball teams, matches donations to Project Graduation up to $1,000, prepares and donates meals for marching band students, and supports local farmers by offering space to sell their produce at no cost. In addition, he regularly volunteers at school events across Lapeer County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ryan Wilson for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the Lapeer community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for a very important reason.

Today is my mom's birthday, and I want to wish my mom a happy 80th birthday. Her name is Carolyn, but if you are in the Ninth District, you probably know her as Granny.

Let me tell you a little bit about Granny. She is tougher than any whip count, and she is more disciplined than running the House floor. I will tell you that is saying something up here.

Let me tell you what you really need to know about my mom. She is the life of every party at 80 years young, and she lives every day to its fullest. She taught me how to work hard, to listen more than I should speak, to never ever back down, and to believe in myself. She is the very reason that, today, I am standing where I am standing.

She is the heart of our family, a role model for our grandkids, and the woman who reminds me every single day of why I came up here: to fight for the people of my district, the Ninth District.

Mr. Speaker, I wish my mom a happy birthday. I love her more than words can say, and I can't wait to get home and celebrate with her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep respect and gratitude to recognize the honorable service of United States Marine Corps veteran, Domenico S. Moceri, our distinguished Veteran of the Month for January 2026. His years of service reflect courage, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to mission and community.

Born and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, he graduated from Eaton Academy before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on November 7, 2017, completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by infantry training at the School of Infantry.

During his military career, Domenico served as an Infantry Rifleman and later as a Small Unmanned Aircraft System Operator. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Bravo Company, where he served as an Automatic Rifleman and advanced to become a Senior SUAS Operator. He later transferred to 6th Marine Regiment Headquarters Battalion, expanding his technical and operational expertise in unmanned aerial systems.

Mr. Moceri's service included multiple overseas assignments in challenging environments. Early in his career, he joined a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force for operations in Norway, where he participated in NATO exercises under Operation Thunder Reindeer and completed intensive arctic survival training. Later, he deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Operation Allies Refuge, contributing to a critical mission that secured the safe relocation of Afghan allies and demonstrated the Marine Corps' commitment to humanitarian assistance and international security.

Throughout his service, Domenico earned numerous decorations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his honorable discharge in 2023, Mr. Moceri returned to Michigan and continues to serve his community as a Construction Project Manager with Moceri Companies, supporting development projects across Lake Orion, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, and the City of Rochester. He remains actively engaged in the veteran community as a member of VFW Post 334, exemplifying the same discipline, integrity, and commitment that marked his military service.

Mr. Speaker, Domenico Moceri's honorable service to our Nation and his continued dedication to his community exemplify the very best of the United States Marine Corps, and it is my privilege to recognize him as our Veteran of the Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce, commemorating five decades of service, connection, and community growth in the Anchor Bay region.

Founded in 1976, the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce has remained steadfast in its mission to support local businesses, foster collaboration, and enhance the quality of life throughout the community. Over the past half century, the Chamber has grown into a trusted resource and a strong voice for business, providing meaningful networking opportunities, advocacy, and community events that bring people together and strengthen local ties.

Today, with more than 425 members, the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce continues to embody its guiding principle to ``Anchor Your Business in the Community.'' Through partnerships, leadership development, and innovation, the Chamber plays a vital role in promoting economic vitality while reinforcing the importance of community engagement.

As the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce marks this significant milestone, we honor its rich history and dedicated leadership while looking ahead to the next 50 years of growth and opportunity. The Chamber's continued commitment to strengthening both business and community serves as a model of excellence and civic responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce, its members, staff, and ambassadors on this remarkable achievement, and I wish them continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect and gratitude to recognize the distinguished service of Chief Warrant Officer 4 James McInnis, United States Coast Guard, as our Veteran of the Month for December 2025 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. His more than two decades of dedicated service exemplify the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.

CWO4 McInnis devoted more than 24 years to honorable service in the United States Coast Guard after enlisting in 1980 and completing basic training in Cape May, New Jersey. He began his career aboard operational cutters in the Great Lakes, supporting essential missions including fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, icebreaking, and aids to navigation. These missions were vital to the safety of mariners and the protection of our waterways.

As he advanced through the enlisted ranks, CWO4 McInnis served in increasingly responsible operational and supervisory roles. He supported buoy tending and lighthouse operations throughout the Great Lakes and later coordinated extensive search and rescue efforts across large maritime regions, overseeing thousands of cases while leading and mentoring Coast Guard personnel.

Upon promotion to Chief Warrant Officer, Mr. McInnis assumed officer- level responsibilities across multiple Coast Guard missions. He led law enforcement teams supporting international drug interdiction operations aboard United States Navy and allied vessels, deploying to the Caribbean, eastern Pacific, and the Middle East. He also served as an Aids to Navigation Officer in several major ports, supervising cutters and crews responsible for maintaining critical waterways and restoring navigation systems following hurricanes and other emergencies.

In the later years of his career, CWO4 McInnis returned to senior sea and staff assignments, conducting offshore buoy tending, environmental response, and complex recovery missions. He concluded his Coast Guard service in the Great Lakes region, overseeing operations, training, and navigation systems while supporting the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Throughout his distinguished career, CWO4 McInnis earned numerous awards, including four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, five Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, the 9/11 Medal, two Southwest Asia Campaign Medals, the Kuwait Liberation Medal from Kuwait, six Sea Service Ribbons, three Good Conduct Medals, and both the Expert Pistol Medal and Expert Rifle Medal.

Following his retirement in July of 2004, Mr. McInnis continued his commitment to service through education. Using a degree earned while on active duty, he taught in Wisconsin's prison system and later, as Education Director, led the introduction of an associate degree pilot program within state prisons for the first time since 1994. That program has since expanded statewide and continues to provide life- changing educational opportunities. He retired from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in 2024 and returned to Michigan with his wife, Anne, to enjoy traveling and cheering for the Detroit Lions.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Warrant Officer 4 James McInnis' lifetime of service reflects steadfast dedication to our Nation and our communities. His military leadership and postservice contributions have strengthened lives and protected our freedoms, and it is my distinct honor to recognize him as our Veteran of the Month for December 2025.