Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor GLC Minerals LLC as they celebrate their 150th anniversary.

GLC Minerals is a Green Bay based, custom manufacturer of minerals and applications in its fifth generation of ownership and operation by the Hurlbut family. GLC Minerals services many of Wisconsin's key industries, including dairy, poultry, glass, paper, construction, and agronomy.

The company came from humble beginnings when entrepreneur Fred Hurlbut Sr. saw the potential for a business located in Green Bay. Fred saw the convenience in shipping and transportation that the Great Lakes offered businesses, and in 1871 Fred's foresight came to fruition as the Hurlbut Calcium and Chemical Company. In 1913, second-generation owner Fred Hurlbut Jr. grew the company to include major coal and bulk distribution throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

In 1940 The F. Hurlbut Company relocated to the shores of the Fox River where it still resides today, 81 years later. Throughout the mid- 1900s the company expanded its equipment and product line leading to a fitting name change of the ``Great Lakes Calcium Corporation.''

In 2015 Wesley Hurlbut Gamer I, fifth-generation family member to own the company, made the final name change to GLC Minerals, LLC. However, this was not simply a name change. Wes continued in his forefather's footsteps and expanded the business again to serve our dairy industry with the cost-effective movement of product from rail to truck and farm.

GLC Minerals continues to grow and support our local business community and the broader Green Bay community, helping to establish and support the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in applauding GLC Minerals and the Hurlbut family for their 150 years of success

Madam Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Waupaca Fire Department. The Waupaca Fire Department was formed shortly after the founding of the city of Waupaca on May 11th, 1871. As the Waupaca community celebrates this milestone, we look back on the outstanding history of the department and critical role they have played in the community. Throughout their history the department has grown immensely and now provides service to approximately 150 square miles. For 150 years, the department has remained committed to serving the city of Waupaca and surrounding communities to the highest degree. In total, the Waupaca Fire Department's Fire Inspection Division works incredibly hard to keep the community safe, conducting an impressive 550 inspections for commercial business in 2019 alone. Their work demonstrates not only the amount of expertise and knowledge the department holds, but the importance the department places on keeping their communities safe.

Over the last 150 years, the department has faced many challenges, but their efforts to give back to the community have never wavered. From participating in the Annual Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament, where the Fire Department takes on the Police Department, to hosting corn roasts and raffles, the Waupaca Fire Department is a true pillar of the community and Northeast Wisconsin. Many Waupaca families have benefited from the department's thoughtfulness and generosity. When the department is not fighting fires and saving lives, their members donate their time and efforts to making Waupaca a better place. The department played a key role in countless improvements around the city, such as the playground in South Park and the construction of multiple shelter homes. I commend the department's dedication and commitment to the Waupaca community. The Waupaca Fire Department supplies the community with incredibly trained individuals who are able to handle fire and other emergencies at a moment's notice. It is evident that the knowledge, dedication, and perseverance conveyed through the men and women of this department are deserving of the highest degree of admiration.

I invite all members of this body to join me in celebrating the sesquicentennial of the Waupaca Fire Department. The Waupaca Fire Department is a true credit to the community and deserving of the highest degree of recognition

Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the career and service of Hobart, Wisconsin resident, Mr. John Carlson.

Mr. Carlson's notable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) career began in 2002, serving as the Assistant Federal Security Director (AFSD) for the Outagamie County Regional Airport, where he played a major role in the start-up of several TSA activities and assumed responsibility for day-to-day aviation security. In 2006, he was reassigned as the AFSD-Generalist at the Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) Hub and Spoke Federal Security Director (FSD) staff where he handled compliance oversight, customer service, property accountability, safety, and model workplace strategies.

Given his extensive knowledge and leadership skills, Mr. Carlson would go on to assume roles where he was trusted to oversee a majority of TSA operations in four separate airports in northern Wisconsin: Austin Straubel International Airport, (GRB), Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA), Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI) and Appleton International Airport (ATW formerly Outagamie County Regional Airport).

Before beginning his career of service with TSA, Mr. Carlson served the United States honorably for twenty years in the U.S. Army as an infantry and military intelligence officer until his retirement in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Carlson's dedication and leadership in the state of Wisconsin are incredibly valuable, and the service he provides to Northern Wisconsin and his country is remarkable.

As we look back on Mr. Carlson's career, there is no doubt that he dedicated his life and career to making the world around him a safer, better place. Mr. Carlson's continued service to both his country and his community is worthy of our highest admiration.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the career and service of retiring Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith.

Chief Andrew Smith's career as a Police Officer began 33 years ago when he arrived in Green Bay from Los Angeles after having served 27 \1/2\ years with the Los Angeles Police Department. Throughout his career, he held countless command level assignments in Media Relations and Community Affairs groups, Operations, and Criminal Gang Homicide Division. For those who are unfamiliar with Chief Smith's extensive career with the LAPD, you may recognize him from the popular true crime docuseries on Netflix: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel.

During Chief Smith's time with the Green Bay Police Department, transparency was one of his top priorities. He gave regular updates to the public through the department's community update videos where he would address current events taking place throughout the Green Bay Area. During Chief Smith's tenure the Green Bay Police Department successfully grew, hiring 65 new police officers and swearing in approximately 190 officers.

When the attacks against our men and women in uniform sparked national attention last summer, Chief Smith continued to protect and defend the Green Bay area. I commend his selfless service and dedication to the Green Bay Police Department and surrounding communities.

Chief Smith is leaving behind a notable legacy that will be admired by generations of police officers for years to come. After retirement, Chief Smith and his family plan to stay in Green Bay and I am confident that he will continue to be a value add to Northeast Wisconsin. Chief Smith's dedication and selfless service to his community is deserving of the highest degree of recognition and honor. I wish Chief Smith and his family all the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the career and service of retiring City of Niagara Mayor, George Bousley.

Mayor Bousley has had a long and esteemed career in public service. He was first elected as the Mayor of Niagara in 1989 and held the position for 32 consecutive years. He also served 12 years on the Marinette County Board, with 8 years as the County Board Chair.

Throughout his service to Niagara and Marinette County, Mayor Bousley lead and contributed to countless projects and initiatives that will surely benefit Northeast Wisconsin for years to come. Colleagues of Mayor Bousley have praised him for his humility, dedication, open mindedness, and hard work, all of which will be missed as his tenure as Mayor of Niagara comes to an end.

Mayor Bousley has accomplished much during his time in public service, and truly personifies the generous spirit that Northeast Wisconsin is known for. From his work on the U.S. 141 project, to Niagara's Centennial Celebration, Mayor Bousley worked tirelessly for his community.

Mayor George Bousley will certainly be missed by the people of Niagara, and I commend him for his dedication to his community. Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in applauding Mayor Bousley for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove Representatives Bill Huizenga, Jay Obernolte, and Vicente Gonzalez as cosponsors of H. Res. 157.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran Warren Pierner as he celebrates his 100th birthday on March 13, 2021.

Warren grew up in Green Bay and attended Green Bay East High School. In 1942, he joined the United States Coast Guard, where he served in the Atlantic on a patrol frigate called the Grand Rapids, and in the Pacific on an attack transport called the Aquarius. Mr. Pierner ran the boilers on these ships for nearly four years and attained the rank of Water Tender 1st Class. Warren continued his service to his country and community as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for 36 years before his retirement in 1984.

After his military service, Warren began to build a family. He married Myra Larsen in 1948 and together they had 7 children during their 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2008. His family enjoyed the summers together fishing, swimming, and playing cards while camping or staying in a rented cabin in Northern Wisconsin. An avid sportsman and sports fan, Warren love to golf, bowl, fish, and swim. Mr. Pierner has been a longtime Chicago Cubs fan but makes up for it by being an ardent Green Bay Packers fan, UW Green Bay Phoenix fan, and Wisconsin Badger fan.

Beloved husband, father, and soldier, Warren is a tribute to the ``Greatest Generation'' and a grateful nation and state thank him for his service.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in applauding Warren Pierner for his service in WWII and wishing him a happy and healthy 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department. In the early hours of February 1st, a bulk carrier ship holding fuel and docked for the winter, the M/V Roger Blough, caught fire. Over 100 Sturgeon Bay firefighters battled the blaze for hours, using 1.4 million gallons of water to extinguish the fire. Their bravery and skill ultimately lead to no deaths, no injuries, no fuel discharged, and minimal damage to the ship. These brave men and women deserve our thanks and gratitude, and have served Northeast Wisconsin exceptionally well.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in applauding the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department for their service and bravery on February 1st.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran Lloyd Ellefson as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Mr. Ellefson grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin on his family's farm. In 1942, his 21st birthday, Lloyd registered for the draft and joined the U.S. Army. Lloyd was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, where he trained as an auto mechanic with the 93rd Armored Field Artillery.

Lloyd served under General George Patton in both France and Italy during WWII. He was first stationed in Naples, Italy where he remembers being ``boomed'' by the German Air Force. Lloyd's service then brought him to the shores of Southern France where he recalls seeing all the ships waiting in the calm waters of the Bay before the fighting began. Lloyd was the only mechanic sent to the D-Day invasion, and he and his battalion received a Bronze Arrowhead for their service and bravery in the invasion.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and soldier, Lloyd is a tribute to the ``Greatest Generation'' and a grateful nation and state thank him for his service.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in applauding Lloyd Ellefson for his service in WWII and wishing him a happy and healthy 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize my District Chief of Staff, Rick Sense, for his service to Wisconsin's Eighth District. He began his career with the U.S. House of Representatives in January of 2011 in the office of my predecessor, Congressman Reid Ribble. He then continued his service as my District Chief of Staff, serving with me in the 115th and 116th Congress, until his time working with us in the House has come to an end here in 117th Congress.

Rick has dedicated his Congressional career to providing superior service to the constituents of Northeast Wisconsin. He understood that his job was to make the federal government work for Wisconsinites. He dedicated his tenure to forging relationships from Appleton to Sturgeon Bay to Marinette, bringing together federal partners, the business community, and local nonprofits to share knowledge and resources.

Many who have had the pleasure of working with Rick describe him as passionate, reliable, approachable, intelligent, and extremely hardworking. He has a keen awareness of the needs of the community and provides valuable support in accomplishing the mission of my office. Despite being a Cubs fan, Rick is a valuable asset to Northeast Wisconsin whose work has touched the lives of many.

Additionally, Rick has inspired the next generation of leaders. Through patient instruction and mentorship, interns and staff who have worked with Rick have moved on to employments with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as Member offices in this Chamber, creating a ripple of change that will surely leave positive impacts in its wake.

I wish Rick the best as he begins his new role with the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce. I am sure he will excel in this new position, bringing with him a deep dedication to servant leadership and desire to foster collaboration amongst Wisconsin's business community.

Politics can be a difficult world to navigate. Rick brings to it a compassion and respect that provides a constant reminder to us all of why we choose to serve this great nation. I'd like to close with the words of our former president, Abraham Lincoln. ``With malice towards none, with charity for all.'' Rick truly embodies these words, and I am proud to have served in this fine institution with him.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Alabama for his strong leadership as our new ranking member, and I look forward to working with him and the chairman on what is truly still, I think, the most bipartisan committee in Congress.

I want to make clear that I have enormous respect for General Austin's service. I don't think anyone can look at his record and not come away very impressed.

But I also strongly oppose this bill. There is no waiver; we are actually changing the underlying law. This was one of the biggest talking points 4 years ago. And we should not do so lightly.

Much has been made about the historic nature of Mr. Austin's nomination, which is true but in more ways than one. If we change the law today, we will now have done so twice within 4 years, effectively destroying the historical precedent against such exemptions.

We will also invert the congressional intent in the underlying National Security Act by setting the precedent that the presumption is for approval, not the disapproval, of recently retired officers.

So the law and the norm of civil-military relations that it is meant to buttress is on life support right now.

And, as in 2017, we will be granting this exemption without a public hearing of the Armed Services Committee, which is the bare minimum of our constitutional obligations. We will be getting rolled over, to borrow a phrase that was used 4 years ago.

And I don't know, I am not in the room where these ratios are discussed, and this and that, but it seems to me that it is worth waiting a few days in order to have such a public hearing, but it is my understanding that our entire workweek next week has been canceled.

So I don't think it withstands basic scrutiny to suggest that we couldn't have had a public hearing to discuss this very, very important issue.

Now, 4 years ago, I voted in favor of the exemption for Secretary Mattis. I think it was my first vote. It was certainly my first speech on the House floor. So it is fair to ask what has changed. Well, a lot has changed.

First and perhaps most importantly, the threat from China is far greater, and we need a Secretary with INDOPACOM experience. The nominee has admitted that he is not uniquely qualified in that regard, and I don't think there is a more important aspect of his experience that we could analyze in considering whether to change the underlying law.

Second, budgetary pressures on the Department are much bigger. Particularly in the post-pandemic world, it is going to be far more difficult to build off of the success that we have had in giving the Department the resources it needs, and we will need a Secretary with political experience who can fight and win interagency battles for a higher top line.

And, third, we also have more data. Four years ago, we ran this experiment for the first time in 67 years, and we learned that recently retired general officers face unique challenges when leading the Department--specifically, the need to publicly advocate for a higher top line, which requires some political experience. And the nominee has made much of the apolitical nature of his prior experience.

Now, I know in politics we are not supposed to change our minds, but if we are unwilling to learn from recent experience or change our minds in response to new information, then we are doomed to repeat the exact same mistakes.

This is why I am voting ``no,'' among other reasons.

But I want to be clear. I want Mr. Austin, soon-to-be Secretary Austin, to be successful in this job. Nothing would make me happier than to look back on his time at DOD and be able to say he was the most successful Secretary of Defense in our Nation's history because that will mean that we as a committee were successful in working with him to do what is right for our men and women in uniform and do what is right for the rest of the country.

Though I will oppose changing the law again for the second time in 4 years, I very much look forward to working with my colleagues, both Republican and Democratic. I genuinely appreciate the honest exchange of views we had 4 years ago and 4 years later. I can only say that 4 years from now, I hope we are not having the same debate because it will prove we have learned nothing from this.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Reigel for receiving the Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal from the people of France for his service during WWII.

Robert, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, enlisted with the U.S. Army in 1943. He served in four battles overseas during WWII, which included deployments to France, England, Italy, and Bavaria. Through his service, he earned the Victory Medal, the European-African- Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, two Overseas Service Bars, and a Good Conduct Medal. He retired from the U.S. Army with a Technician Fifth Grade rank.

The Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal was established in 1802 and pays tribute to soldiers who helped liberate France and Western Europe during WWII. It is the highest military distinction given to those who have accomplished exceptional deeds for France.

The Hon. Guillaume Lacroix, Consul General of France in Chicago, presented the prestigious award to Robert during a ceremony at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. Surrounded by his family and fellow veterans, Robert was honored as a hero to both America and France.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in thanking Mr. Robert Reigel for his service to our country. His dedication to our country and his valor in service are truly an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of The Brillion News.

This award winning Northeast Wisconsin news outlet began in 1894 when William Stoddard opened the paper on Main Street. The very first edition called for advertisers, writers,

and correspondents, and was printed on a foot-powered press. Brillion at the time was largely a German immigrant community. This presented an issue for the original owners, who could neither speak nor read the German language.

In 1899, Otto Zander entered the business. To the company's benefit, he could speak German. Under Otto's direction, the paper focused on local news in the greater Brillion community. Otto published community events, wedding announcements and obituaries, and showcased local businesses.

The Brillion News was, and remains, a family business. Otto's son, Elliot, joined the paper in 1927, operating the Line-O-type machine and learning skills in editing. In 1944, Otto passed away, and complete ownership of the business was transferred to Elliot. Continuing in the footsteps of his father, Elliot became publisher and editor of The Brillion News and was later elected president of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

In the early 1960s, Elliot's children, Zane and Noel, joined the business, leading to the incorporation of Zander Press in 1965. Noel took up sports reporting and covered Brillion athletics for 33 years. Zane used his skill set in design to create The Brillion News flag and Zander Press logo. In 2005, Zander Press, Inc. was sold to Zane's four children, passing the business on to the next generation of the Zander family.

Today, The Brillion News has a weekly subscription of 2,000 and provides local news to residents throughout Brown, Calumet, and Manitowoc counties. Zander Press, Inc. is currently operated and owned by Beth Wenzel, Darcy Zander-Feinauer and Kris Bastian.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate The Brillion News on its 125 years of success in business. I wish the Zander family many more years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wrightstown Community School District for receiving recognition as a Patriotic Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The Patriot Employer Award reflects the efforts made to support deployed employees through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, family care, and granting leaves of absence.

Wrightstown Superintendent of Schools, Carla Buboltz, was recognized for supporting newly-employed teacher, Logan Gruszynski, during his deployment to the Middle East with the National Guard. Community members in Northeast Wisconsin have an incredible tradition of looking out for one another, and our community is fortunate to have employers such as Ms. Buboltz who recognize the sacrifices of service. I am confident that the Wrightstown Community School District will continue to thrive under her leadership.

I would also like to thank Logan Gruszynski for his service with the National Guard. His service took him away from his work and family, he honorably represented his community and the State of Wisconsin. As a dedicated service member and teacher, Mr. Gruszynski is a positive role model to us all.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in commending the efforts of the Wrightstown Community School District and thanking Mr. Gruszynski for his service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor American Legion Sullivan-Wallen Post 11 as its members celebrate the 100th Anniversary of their charter in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Post 11 was founded in July of 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization dedicated to supporting America's service members and veterans. The Post was named after veterans Francis Sullivan and Earl Wallen. Francis Sullivan, who grew up in Green Bay, died serving in France during WWI. Earl Wallen of Pensaukee, Wisconsin served in WWII on the USS California, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Wallen, a Marine private first class, was killed after he volunteered to climb up to the battleship's crow's nest to fire a machine gun at attacking Japanese planes. The legacies of Sullivan and Wallen continue to be taught and honored by Post 11.

Post 11 also has close ties to the Green Bay Packers. In the 1920s, Post 11 became a beneficiary of the Packers in the event the team was relocated or sold. Post 11 is also the only permanent color guard in the NFL. The Post presents the colors before every home Packer game, a tradition dating back to the 1940s.

Post 11 is one of the largest American Legion posts in the area with over 600 members. The Post organizes fundraising events to support veteran programs, such as their annual Booyah Bash, a community favorite. The Post hosts youth programs including a marksmanship program to learn rifle safety, a Christmas party, and an Easter egg hunt. The Post also sponsors high school students to attend Badger Boys State.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in thanking Post 11 for its 100 years of support of service members, veterans, and the Green Bay community.