Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor today the Michigan Central Railroad Passenger Train Station in Jackson, Michigan as they celebrate the Second Annual National Train Day and the 140th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad.

On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the ``golden spike'' was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, ceremonially creating the nation's first transcontinental railroad. These railways provided jobs for thousands of Americans. Now, 140 years after the ``golden spike'' connected east and west, there's never been a better time to take the train.

In an era of many constant challenges and changes that face our daily lives and at a time when we all share the same pressing concerns about environment and energy conservation, trains are a more energy-efficient mode of travel than either autos or airplanes. The historic Michigan Central Railroad Passenger Train Station opened its doors to the public on September 1, 1873 and is the nation's oldest train station in continuous active use.

I am proud to join with the Jackson community in honor of this coast- to-coast celebration of the way trains connect people and places.

Madam Speaker, I am proud and it is my distinct privilege today to honor the men and women who have served our country. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday, Armed Forces Day, for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department--the Department of Defense--and acknowledges the sacrifices Americans have made for freedom. Armed Forces Week has been celebrated every May since 1950. This period of time gives civilians a chance to appreciate the sacrifices of the men and women currently on active duty, those serving in the Guard and Reserve, and all those who served before them.

Sons and daughters of Michigan have answered their nation's call. We are humbled by those who show us that there is no greater love than this: to lay down your life in service to your neighbor. We honor those who take this risk every day. Today we remember those who have shown this greatest love and remember their families. As we gather today let us honor and commend the men and women who have served and currently serve in the military, for which we are forever grateful. May they know of the high esteem in which they are held by their family, their friends, their community and the great State of Michigan.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

I yield myself 2 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, first, let me congratulate my distinguished colleague from New York for her leadership on bringing forward this important and timely bill. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of the credit cardholders' bill of rights.

I've heard from many of my constituents in Michigan, as I'm certain all of you have heard from your constituents, who have found themselves being misled by the credit card companies and being subjected to usurious rates. Americans are hurting, Michiganders especially, and they need our help. This bill is a critical step in providing that relief. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is a simple, two-part amendment that will help consumers make good choices when they get a credit card.

First, it requires credit card companies to post their agreement disclosures on their Web sites. Second, it requires a company to transmit that information to the Federal Reserve Board so that the board can compile those agreements and post them on the board's Web site. Together, these provisions provide important disclosure and transparency to the public, and they are an important resource for consumers so that they can easily be informed of tricks and traps that may exist within their credit card contracts or so that they can shop for the best possible deal for credit cards.

The goal is to provide consumers with direct public information and transparency regarding the interest rates that companies charge for their credit cards. This will allow one-stop shopping for good, fair rates.

Mr. Chairman, our people are hurting. Unemployment in my State is approaching 13 percent, and it's much higher than that in parts of my district. My amendment is a simple, straightforward step, and I ask for your support.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I appreciate the comments from the gentleman from Texas in support of the amendment. My amendment doesn't change the content of the disclosure, only its dissemination through a Web site that the Federal Reserve Board would collect and post those disclosures.

Mr. Chairman, I am happy to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez).

Mr. Chairman, I ask that my colleagues support this amendment.

I yield back my time.

Madam Speaker, I am proud today to honor a truly outstanding public servant, Napoleon Township Fire Chief Jay Hawley, as April marks the 35th anniversary of his service as a Napoleon firefighter.

Jay's unwavering dedication to the community, the breadth of his experience, the depth of his knowledge, and his skill as a leader are cornerstones the Napoleon Township Fire Department's long success rests on. He is endlessly creative in finding ways to do more with

less--stretching every local dollar through regional cooperation, obtaining financial grants from a wide array of external sources, and the old fashioned approach of just plain spending every fire department dollar wisely.

Jay is open to new ideas, willing to listen, ready to change, and always ready to cooperate for the larger good. He has been a tireless leader at the regional level on initiatives to improve emergency responder communications, strengthen training, pool fire resources, and enhance safety. He is never concerned with who gets credit for success, only that success is achieved.

How many millions of dollars in property were spared and how many dozens of lives were saved through Jay's efforts may never be known, but Napoleon Township and surrounding communities know he is owed a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor and congratulate Michael W. Dawson upon his recognition as Mason of the Year by the Battle Creek Lodge #12 Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan.

Since being raised a Master Mason in 2005, Mike has served as Senior Deacon, Senior Warden and is now serving his second year as Worshipful Master. He also has served on the Finance Committee and is active on the lodge's MDOT Adopt-A-Highway program.

Mike is appreciated by other area lodges for his many visits and willingness to help in their degree work. He is active in his church and serves as a Greeter and Usher. Mike also is a past President of the local Optimist Club where he has presented monthly awards to outstanding middle school students.

Mike and his wife, Elizabeth (Betty), are both retired from the Federal Government, DOD. It is with deep appreciation of the significance of this recognition that I commend Michael W. Dawson upon being named Mason of the Year and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor a truly exemplary public servant, Chief Michael G. Curry, as April marks the 35th anniversary of his service as Napoleon Township Police Chief. Mike's unflagging dedication to the community, his extensive knowledge and experience in police work, and his effectiveness as a leader are keys to the long and continued success of the Napoleon Township Police Department.

Mike has always placed the welfare of children as his highest priority. That emphasis is reflected in a long list of local initiatives he has championed: child safety training, pedestrian and bike safety programs, SAVE (school active violence event) training for students and teachers, student finger printing, driving safety training, uniformed police officers taking children out to shop at Christmas, and numerous other initiatives.

He is especially resourceful in finding ways to maximize the benefit Napoleon residents receive from every local dollar spent on law enforcement--obtaining financial grants from many different external sources, leveraging resources through regional cooperation and consortiums, staffing the department with highly experienced officers who are willing to work part-time for Napoleon, and closely managing every expenditure large or small.

A recognized leader at the regional level, he is a past president of the Village and Township Police Association, past chair of the 911 Board, as well as current board member and chair of the curriculum committee for the Jackson and Lenawee County Training Consortium. Mike treats every resident issue, no matter how small, as important because every resident is important to him. Napoleon is a safer and more desirable community to live in, its children are better protected, and its residents are served by a highly effective Police Department thanks to Chief Curry.

How many lives have been saved, traffic accidents prevented, injuries avoided and crimes deterred through his efforts may never be known, but we as a community know we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor SSgt. Richard Howard Hemenway, Jr. of the 110th Fighter Wing Chaplain's Office in Battle Creek, Michigan on the occasion of his retirement. SSgt. Hemenway has been a dedicated member of the armed forces for 21 years, five of which were active duty, including four tours to the Middle East. He was commended twice for this service, among many other honors. In October of 2000, SSgt. Hemenway was presented the Leadership Award by his peers for Outstanding Academic and Leadership Performance Air Force Sergeants Association Cereal City Chapter 774. In 2005, SSgt. Hemenway was named Base Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. He has done all of this as a loving husband to his wife, Kathy, and dedicated father to his children. SSgt. Richard Howard Hemenway, Jr. is a model of patriotism and well deserves our respect and appreciation for his many years of dedication and distinguished service.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Schuler's Restaurant & Pub in Marshall, Michigan as they celebrate 100 years of dedicated service. Schuler's was opened in 1909 by Albert Schuler, Sr. and is a family-owned restaurant. Four generations of Schuler's have built the family reputation and have helped to maintain traditions that grow

out of good, honest work and a love of food, people, and the community. Along the way, each generation has shown a flair for imagination and innovation in the hospitality and food industry. In an era of many constant challenges that face our daily lives, the tireless efforts of establishments like Schuler's help to make our community, state and country an outstanding place to live and work. It is with deep appreciation of the significance of this milestone that I commend Schuler's Restaurant & Pub as they celebrate 100 years of exemplary service to the Marshall community and the State of Michigan.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Patrick Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) as he transitions into a new executive role as Vice President of the Operations Performance Leadership Department with Trinity Health.

Pat has served as President and CEO of Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) since July of 1999. His legacy includes strong community involvement, a growing partnership with medical staff and marked improvements in finances, quality, and service.

During Pat's tenure, BCHS was honored for outstanding clinical outcomes by HealthGrades, the nation's leading independent health care ratings company and the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer. It was named one of the nation's leaders in development of an electronic medical record by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.

BCHS has also been recognized for five consecutive years as one of West Michigan's ``Best and Brightest Places to Work'' by Michigan Business & Professional Association. For the past nine years, Patrick has earned both the respect and admiration of medical staff, associates, and community members for his skillful and honest leadership. Patrick is a model of patriotism and well deserves our respect and appreciation for his many years of dedication and distinguished service.

Mr. Speaker, first, I rise to thank Representative Jackson-Lee for her leadership of her resolution today in honoring Sojourner Truth.

As the Congressman representing Battle Creek, Michigan, I rise on behalf of a community that is proud of its citizen Sojourner Truth, who lived her last 26 years there.

My hometown was home to a pilgrim born into slavery, unable to read or write, who traveled the country, eloquently confronting the injustices of slavery and the unequal treatment of women. She spoke truth to power, and she changed the world. Her life is testimony to the endurance of the human spirit.

Every day that I come to work at my office, I sit across from a portrait of Sojourner Truth, which hangs on my wall. It lifts me and it grounds me, and I know that the memorial in Emancipation Hall, along with a monument at her resting place in Battle Creek, will do the same for the millions of citizens who will view them over the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor today Adrian College on the occasion of their Sesquicentennial Celebration. Adrian College evolved from a theological institute founded by the Wesleyan Methodist denomination in 1845.

On March 28, 1859, Adrian College was chartered by the Michigan legislature as a degree-granting institution with Dr. Asa Mahan as its first President. For almost 100 years, the campus consisted of several brick buildings stretching along Madison Street. In the mid-1950s, the College, encouraged by the generosity of Ray W. Herrick, embarked in a building program that established the basis for the current campus. Today, when students walk in the area bounded on the east by Madison Street and edged by Downs Hall, North Hall, Cornelius House and Herrick Tower, they tread on the same ground that students hurried across in 1859.

In an era of many constant challenges that face our daily lives, the tireless efforts of educational institutions like this one, help to make our community, state and country an outstanding place to learn, live and work. It is with deep appreciation of the significance of this milestone that I commend Adrian College on the occasion of their Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor today the Adrian Dominican Sisters on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary. The Adrian Dominican Sisters are a Roman Catholic Congregation of more than 850 vowed religious women who trace their heritage to St. Dominic in the 13th century. Also serving with them are around 195 associates, non-vowed men and women who are committed to sharing in their mission and vision.

They minister in 31 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and in the nations of Canada, the Dominican Republic, Italy and Swaziland.

The Adrian Dominican Sisters serve in a variety of ministries depending on the needs of the people to whom they are sent. They also sponsor numerous schools, hospitals, retreat centers and a variety of many other businesses and institutions.

The weekend of May 15th through the 17th of 2009 will mark the 125th Anniversary of the Adrian Dominican Sisters' establishment of their permanent presence in the city of Adrian, Michigan. It is with deep appreciation of the significance of this milestone that I commend the Adrian Dominican Sisters on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor today one of Michigan's finest postal service employees, Patricia Anne McKee of Albion, Michigan. Patricia is retiring after 35 years of service with 29 years of supervisory and postmaster experience. She has been a postmaster for 25 years and a dedicated member of the Albion community for 22 years. Patricia has served our state with honor and distinction and has shown extraordinary devotion to her community, being active and serving on many boards and committees as well as volunteering in her spare time. She has done all of this as a loving mother to Travis and a loving grandmother to Kemar. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, playing the piano and spending time with family, friends and special partner, Greg. Patricia is a model of patriotism and well deserves our respect and appreciation for her years of dedication to the postal service and the Albion Community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor today the Chelsea Lumber Company as they receive the 2008 Large Business Leadership Award by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce. Chelsea Lumber Company is one of Chelsea's oldest businesses having celebrated their 100th anniversary in May of 2008. A recent acquisition assisted with positioning Chelsea Lumber Company as southeast Michigan's largest home center with the largest inventory of any lumberyard in the region. On a local level, Chelsea Lumber Company contributes immensely to the economic impact of the City of Chelsea. Chelsea Lumber Company has been a long-time member of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and their community involvement includes providing employment for many area youth and donating their materials to many local groups for projects and events. Many of their staff contributes their time serving on numerous community committees and donating their time at many Chelsea area sporting events. The owners have all remained or come back to Chelsea after college to raise their families, proving their belief in this community's values. It is with deep appreciation for their many contributions that I congratulate and commend the Chelsea Lumber Company for their faithful commitment to service and quality and wish them the best in all their future endeavors.