Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a small town in my district which was recently named a recipient of the 2018 Great American Main Street Award. Over the last twelve years, downtown Howell, Michigan has completely transformed from a community threatened by Michigan's economic downturn to one that is thriving and charging ahead into the future. With its historical charm and beautiful architecture, downtown Howell is full of local art galleries and quaint parks.

Chosen by a national jury of community development professionals, the Great American Main Street award recognizes communities whose successes serve as a model for preservation-based commercial revitalization. As a small town that is doing big things, Downtown Howell is setting itself apart as a great place for businesses, families, and everything in between. Great things are happening in the Comeback State, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to what's to come.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation:

Whereas, the 8th Congressional District of Michigan joins in celebration as we commemorate Cordell Henderson as he is recognized with the Frederick Douglass Award by the Greater Lansing Area Club.

Whereas, Mr. Henderson dedicated his career to helping both children and adults further their education for 45 years. Serving as a school principal, director of education, counselor and on multiple school boards and committees, he changed and bettered the lives of countless members of our community over the course of his life. He has shared his knowledge and passion with those around him and dedicated himself to the ideals that advance our community.

Let it be known, that the Member of the United States Congress, the Honorable Michael D. Bishop of the 8th Congressional District of the State of Michigan, hereby recognizes Cordell Henderson for his outstanding achievements. Therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to honor this milestone. May others know of my warmest wishes and continued support in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation:

Whereas, the 8th Congressional District of Michigan joins in celebration as we commemorate Theresa Randleman as she is recognized with the Business Excellence Award by the Greater Lansing Area Club.

Whereas, Ms. Randleman has dedicated her career to speaking on behalf of women and female youth with an emphasis on producing, hosting, and sponsoring female empowerment programs. Her work ranges from international speaking which empowers women across the globe, to hosting local Expos which guide aspiring female entrepreneurs on the path to success. She has shared her knowledge and passion all around the world and dedicated herself to the ideals that advance our community.

Let it be known, that the Member of the United States Congress, the Honorable Michael D. Bishop of the 8th Congressional District of the State of Michigan, hereby recognizes Theresa Randleman for her outstanding achievements. Therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to honor this milestone. May others know of my warmest wishes and continued support in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rochester College men's and women's basketball teams for winning their respective fourth and first-ever USCAA championships.

With a stingy defense and a strong will to win, the Rochester College men's team posted an insurmountable lead in their final game, beating the Oakwood University Ambassadors 80-61.

Men's head coach Klint Pleasant said: ``In 20 years of having the privilege of coaching these young men, I can't think of a time I have ever been more proud. Toughness, resolve, commitment, and genuine relationships ruled the day.''

The Rochester College women's team knocked off the first and second seed in the tournament en route to their championship, beating Paul Quinn College 72-57.

Head coach Brent Wichtner summed up their team's success saying: ``I am so extremely proud of this team and the resiliency they have shown. This will be a day I will always remember.''

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the talented, hardworking student athletes of Rochester College.

Go Warriors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today--during Women's History Month--to congratulate Kristi Pace, who was named the 2017 Brighton Police Officer of the Year. While she has only been with the force for two years, Officer Pace has already left an enormous mark and impression on her fellow officers. Police Chief Rob Bradford noted that she--the only female on the force--is ``highly

regarded as a new, up-and-coming leader of the department, and is very well-respected'' by her peers.

Officer Pace continues to seek ways to improve herself. After attending the FBI's Crisis Negotiator, Evidence Technician, and Taser Instructor Schools, Officer Pace became a member of the Brighton department's Crisis Negotiator Team. I commend Officer Pace for her service and thank her for her selfless dedication to our community, and to the state of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for leading in this effort.

It is very exciting back in the great State of Michigan, the comeback State of Michigan, our home State. After years of stagnant economic growth, our workforce is finally experiencing the benefits of a modernized Tax Code. So far, more than 4 million hardworking Michiganders have received bonuses, notices of increases in their take- home pay, and have benefited from higher wages.

Across Michigan, I have had the opportunity to travel not only in my district, but across this great State, and I have seen firsthand great things, so many great stories to tell, sitting down with folks, hearing about the new tax law and how it is impacting their community and how it is impacting their businesses. I take away from this a number of really excited testimonials from everyone that I sat down with.

For example, Dan, a small-business owner from Rochester Hills, Michigan, shared with me that, as a result of tax reform, he was able to invest in his new car wash by buying new equipment.

Erwin, a constituent from Oxford, Michigan, is seeing extra money in his monthly take-home pay.

I stopped by the Fiat Chrysler truck assembly plant to talk with workers about the new Ram truck production line that is relocating from Mexico all the way back to Michigan, where it belongs, bringing with it 2,500 new jobs. As you can imagine, there is extreme excitement within the four walls of that beautiful plant.

Michigan is the auto capital of the world. We produce more than 2.2 million cars and trucks. We produce more cars and trucks than any other State in the Union, and we are excited and proud to be the auto capital of the world, the State that put the world on wheels.

The Fiat Chrysler decision will provide more than $1 billion in U.S. investment and $2,000 bonuses, $2,000 for each employee, all as a result of tax reform.

In Lake Orion, Michigan, Complete Automation, they employ about 250 employees. I visited their operation to talk with the employees about the new benefits they will soon be seeing. As a result of tax reform, employees will see in their 401(k) contribution a match of 50 percent, up to 4 percent of their investment in their 401(k).

That is a big deal for a lot of people. It is a great deal for their family. It is a great deal for them individually, but it is a great deal for their family.

And I also say this. With the average tax cut in my district of about $2,500 per family, average family, that is not crumbs. That is real, real relief for families that could really use it right now.

The takeaway from all these conversations that I have had across my district is that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is working. America's optimism is rising, and the workforce is taking notice. We are finally creating an environment that fosters economic growth and brings jobs back to the United States and back to my home State and the comeback State of Michigan. And this is just the beginning.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 534, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) for giving me this opportunity to speak.

Mr. Speaker, last week was a tough week in my district and in our country. In a courtroom in Lansing, Michigan, 156 victims, one by one, bravely faced depraved sexual predator Larry Nassar to recount their personal story of unimaginable and despicable atrocities.

As we now know, reports of sexual misconduct were routinely dismissed or flatly ignored by the management of USA Gymnastics. As a direct result, hundreds of young women, all of whom relied on these trusted professionals all around them, were sexually assaulted under the guise of medical treatment.

The court did its part this week and sentenced Nassar to a maximum prison term where he will spend the rest of his life. But the investigation continues and others will be held accountable in days to come.

For our part during this process, Members of Congress must do everything in their power to ensure that this never happens again. With that as our objective, I believe this bill takes a dramatic step in the right direction.

Now, I must say in all candor, I stand before you today in absolute disbelief; disbelief in the layers of mismanagement that should have prevented this from happening, but also disbelief that it takes an act of Congress to ensure a congressionally chartered organization fulfill its obligation to care for and protect the young athletes with whom their parents have entrusted.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my constituents in offering our heartfelt prayers to the victims and their families for the nightmare that they have experienced.

To all of you: Please know my colleagues and I will do everything in our power to be your strong advocate and to ensure justice.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to advocate and support this legislation

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4318) to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill, H.R. 4318, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be here today to speak in support of H.R. 4318, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018.

This bipartisan bill will provide long-awaited tariff relief to our American manufacturers, who require certain inputs that are simply not made in the United States. Forcing them to pay tariffs for these inputs runs up their manufacturing costs and makes them uncompetitive compared to manufacturers in other countries. It also limits their ability to create more good-paying jobs here at home.

For companies in my home State of Michigan, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act will provide nearly $27 million in cost savings, which can, instead, be used to employ more Americans, create new products, and boost the United States economy.

For years, American manufacturers have been asking Congress for tariff relief to help them reduce costs, create jobs, and compete globally. Today, we can take critical steps in delivering that relief.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, for far too long, American manufacturers have been put at a disadvantage because they are forced to pay tariffs on products they need but are not made in the United States. This has increased their costs, limited their ability to create new jobs, and decreased their competitive edge.

Today we have the opportunity to change that by passing the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018. This bipartisan bill would deliver the tariff relief our manufacturers need to strengthen their competitive edge, create new, good-paying jobs, provide more benefits to their employees, and boost the American economy. At the same time, because relief is temporary, we continue to create an incentive for United States manufacturers to decide to make these products here at home.

For years, American manufacturers have been asking for tariff relief. Today we can do our part to deliver it. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of a constituent of mine in my district, Dr. Richard Alberta, senior pastor at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton, Michigan. On December 31, 2017, Dr. Alberta stepped down from the pulpit after 40 years of service.

Originally from New York, Dr. Alberta was raised in a nonreligious home. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Donna, he embarked on a successful career until, one day, something changed. He attended a church service and realized the missing puzzle piece in his life was to do whatever he can to pursue and prayerfully consider the path felt by the love of his Lord and devotion to his ministry.

Over the past four decades, Dr. Alberta dedicated his time, wisdom, and leadership to the Lord and the church. His friendship and faithful guidance has made a lasting impression on the lives of so many.

As he begins his next chapter, I wish him all the best, and I commend him on his unwavering commitment to his congregation and to our community as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with a heavy heart to pay tribute to two of Michigan's finest Oakland County sheriff's deputies and their legacy of service.

Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Overall, a 22-year-old veteran of the sheriff's department, was killed this past Thanksgiving while serving and protecting. Deputy Overall was pursuing a suspect who posed a threat to the public and died ensuring no one else's life was put in danger that day.

He is remembered by his friends and family as someone who lived by the mantra ``never quit.'' Sonja Overall, the widow of Eric Overall, described her husband as a man of integrity who truly left his stamp on everyone's heart. His life and legacy will never be forgotten.

Now, just 5 days ago, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office suffered yet another tragedy. Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy David Hack, a 17- year veteran of the sheriff's office, was securing a car accident scene when he was critically struck by a passing car.

Deputy Hack is well known in the Rochester community, as he serves as the sheriff's liaison at Rochester Adams High School in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

He is currently in critical condition. I would like his family to know that all the students, educators, and staff at Adams High School and the Rochester community schools are praying for his recovery and his continued strength to keep fighting until he is fully recovered. Indeed, our entire Rochester community sends our prayers.

Please join me in a moment of silence for Deputy Hack's recovery and to honor the memory and mourn the loss of Deputy Eric Overall.

Mr. Speaker, on this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I send my deepest condolences to their family, friends, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, and the entire Oakland County Sheriff's Office during this time of tragedy and loss.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today.

At its core, reforming our Nation's Tax Code is about how we, the policymakers, view the role of government in our economy and society.

Over the past 10 years, the American people have seen a stagnant economy and a steady decline in labor force participation. Meanwhile, the government has grown to an unprecedented level, the economy has slowed, and our debt has nearly tripled. All the while, government has given away sweetheart deals to select companies, leaving Main Street job providers to hold the bag.

But all of that ends today. Today we reduce the burden on job creators and families. Today we create an environment that will generate real economic growth.

The conference committee report before us today is about our constituents, about allowing our constituents and neighbors to keep more of their hard-earned money. For starters, we double the standard deduction, which means for joint filers, the first $24,000 of their income is free from Federal income tax liability. That is real money back in the pockets of working class families across America.

The plan expands the child tax credit to $2,000 per child to help families with the cost of raising children. For students struggling with debt, the bill preserves the student loan interest deduction and graduate students will continue to receive tuition tax waivers tax free.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an impressive and dedicated public servant in Oakland County, Michigan, Phil Bertolini, who is being honored here in Washington, D.C., this week.

Phil is the chief information officer of Oakland County and has been recognized as the 2017 Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine.

Phil has spent most of his career handling technology issues for the county and has, most notably, spearheaded a program to help smaller communities gain access to better technology. In 2011, Phil created a process online allowing smaller governments to take advantage of Oakland County's state-of-the-art computing services through G2G Cloud Solutions.

Due to Phil's hard work and dedication, Oakland County's G2G Cloud Solutions now provides services to 82 agencies in Michigan and 721 users throughout the United States. Phil's experience and innovative mindset has earned Oakland County national recognition as a tech leader, being named as the second-most digitally advanced county in the country.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Phil Bertolini on being recognized as the 2017 Public Official of the Year. I would like to personally recognize and thank him for his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the community.

Mr. Speaker, you see, tax reform is about giving hardworking Americans--of all walks of life--the confidence they need to make their dreams a reality.

So the question that needs to be asked is whether or not the current tax code--and all of its targeted credits--really increases people's paychecks. . . . Does it treat people fairly? Does it put American workers first? What about fostering economic growth, does it help to create more good-paying jobs?

Michigan is a great case study.

You see, I'm from the Motor City, where we're known for our blue collar work ethic. Our families come from humble beginnings. They get up every morning and go to work to make ends meet, and to build a better future for their kids. And we've persevered through some of the most serious economic death spirals. Take 2008, for example.

At that time, I was Senate Majority Leader in Michigan under the last administration, overseeing the only Republican branch of government. I saw firsthand how that administration pursued one targeted tax credits after another that favored one industry over the other. It was the classic example of the government picking winners and losers--and, as expected, it failed miserably.

As we see at the federal level today, in Michigan many of these targeted tax benefits were paid for by everyone else: in the form of tax increases. And not only did it fail to attract growth in emerging sectors as they hoped, but it caused our economy to tailspin.

Michigan quickly became the only state in the country experiencing zero economic growth. Per capita income went from one of the highest, to one of the lowest in a matter of just a few years.

By 2009, unemployment hit nearly 15 percent. (Neighboring states with more hospitable environments for job growth attracted our family and neighbors).

More than 800,000 people left our state. Just think about that. . . . We were the only state to lose population--and we would have lost even more had people been able to sell their homes.

But as the Senate Majority Leader of the only Republican branch of government, we didn't just say ``no'' to the government's failed policies, we offered solutions and loaded up the pipeline with legislation to help the newly-elected Republican legislature and Governor Rick Snyder get to work on day one.

What did we do? Exactly what we're doing here today: tax reform.

While balancing budgets, we found ways to lower rates on individuals. Reduced baseline rates for job creators, and eliminated the credits that favored certain industries over others. We created an environment that would grow the economy, and help families get ahead.

And sure enough, just two months after these reforms, job growth turned positive again in Michigan.

In 2017, Michigan is now a top 10 pro-business state, ranked 12th among all states for overall business tax climate. Unemployment in Livingston County, in my district, is at 3.3 percent as of this September. And the comeback continues.

Detroit is re-emerging again as an economic powerhouse. The streets are alive with entrepreneurs and young people, who live downtown. The future looks great for the Comeback City.

You see, the moral of the story is that tax policy matters.

Getting tax reform done right means delivering real relief. I've seen it work in Michigan, and I know we can do it at a national level. It's not hard. It's about allowing people to keep more of what is rightfully theirs. It's about freeing up more capital to create more jobs, increase wages, and compete at a global level. This is how you grow an economy from the ground up.

Let's vote for our constituents today--do it for that middle-income family of four, or the single mother of three--and pass this bill today. All of us have an obligation to simplify the tax code for every American--with lower rates--so it's easier for hardworking people to file their taxes and have the peace of mind they deserve.

It's been 31 years, and the relief can't come soon enough.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for yielding, for his steadfast leadership, and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this incredible opportunity on behalf of this great country.

Tax reform is about giving hardworking Americans of all walks of life the confidence they need to make their dreams a reality. So the question that needs to be asked is whether or not the current Tax Code, and all of its targeted tax credits, really increases people's paychecks. Does it treat people fairly? Does it put American workers first?

What about fostering economic growth? Does it help create more good- paying jobs? On that subject, I think Michigan is a great case study, my home State of Michigan. You see, I am from the Motor City where we are known for our blue-collar work ethic. Our families come from humble beginnings. They get up every morning and go to work to make ends meet to build a better life for their family and for their kids. We persevered through some pretty serious economic death spirals, I must say, and I would refer back to 2008 as an example.

More than 8,000 people left our State. Just think about that. We are the only State in the Union to lose population--and more would have left if they had a chance to sell their homes.

At the time, I was the Senate majority leader in Michigan under the last administration, overseeing the only Republican branch of government. I saw firsthand how the administration pursued targeted tax credits, one after the other, that favored one industry over the other. It was a classic example of government picking winners over losers, and as expected, it failed miserably.

As we see at the Federal level today, in Michigan, these targeted tax benefits were paid for by everyone else in the form of tax increases, and not only did it fail to attract growth in emerging sectors as they had hoped, but it caused our economy to go into a tailspin, a very serious tailspin.

Michigan quickly became the only State in the country experiencing zero economic growth. Per capita income fell for the first time. It was one of the highest to begin with, and just a few years later, it was one of the lowest. By 2009, unemployment hit a record high of 15 percent. Neighboring States that had more hospitable environments for good job growth attracted our families and our neighbors.

As I said, we are the only State in the Union to lose population. But as Senate majority leader at that time of the only Republican branch of government, we didn't just say no to the government's failed policies. We offered solutions and loaded up the pipeline with legislation to help the newly elected Republican legislature and Governor Rick Snyder get the job done.

What did we do? We did exactly what we are doing here today. We started with tax reform. While balancing budgets, we found ways to lower rates on individuals, reduce baseline rates for job creators, and eliminate tax credits that favored certain industries over others.

Michigan created an environment that grew the economy and helped families get ahead. Sure enough, just 2 months after these reforms happened, job growth turned positive again in Michigan.

Today, in Michigan, we are a top 10 probusiness State and ranked 12th among all States for overall business climate. Unemployment is the lowest it has been in my home district of 3.3 percent, in Livingston County.

Detroit is re-emerging again as an economic powerhouse. The streets are alive with entrepreneurs and young people finally living downtown. The future looks great for the comeback city.

The moral of this story is tax reform, but it is not just about tax cuts. It is about real reform to a broken system. Getting tax reform done right means delivering real relief, and I have seen it firsthand in Michigan.

I know it can happen at the national level. It is not rocket science. It is about giving people back more that is rightfully theirs. It is about freeing up more capital to create more jobs, increase wages, and compete at the global level. This is how you grow an economy from the ground up.

Mr. Speaker, let's vote for our constituents today. Do it for the middle-income family of four or the struggling mom. Let's pass this bill today. It has been 31 years. It is time for relief. It is long overdue.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be here today to recognize three National Blue Ribbon schools in my district.

Each year, the Department of Education recognizes some of the top schools from across the United States. The Blue Ribbon award is a remarkable achievement that recognizes the outstanding work done by exceptional educators and the hard work of dedicated students.

I would like to congratulate Hamlin Elementary School; Brewster Elementary School; and my own alma mater, Rochester Adams High School, for being recognized as being some of the best educational institutions there are.

I know this personally, as two of my children attend Rochester Adams High School. From my experience with these schools, what sets them apart is the teachers don't wait to generate enthusiasm for learning. Each and every student is empowered to do things for themselves, to take on challenges, to push their minds, and to think of things in different ways.

All of these schools are exceptional and are filled with the love of learning and are devoted to preparing students for all stages of life. All three schools serve the Rochester community and my hometown of Rochester.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations again to all these outstanding schools. Their selfless devotion to their students is something for which we all can take to heart. Our children are our future, and these Blue Ribbon schools are committed to making it a bright one.