Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brain Awareness Week, a critical moment to discuss the impact of brain disorders on our nation and the urgent need for brain research and discovery.

Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have tremendous, devastating impact on individuals and families. My dad had Parkinson's, so I know firsthand the physical and financial toll it takes on patients and caregivers.

These diseases also pose a serious financial burden for the nation. Today, neurological diseases cost the United States an estimated $800 billion a year. And that figure is projected to increase dramatically over the coming years.

An estimated 5.5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. In my home state of Michigan, 180,000 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's. That is projected to increase more than 20 percent--220,000 Michiganders--by 2025. And barring medical breakthroughs, the number of Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer's is estimated to reach 16 million by 2050. Between now and 2050, the cumulative cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's is projected to exceed $20 trillion.

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. Each year, 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's. The current total economic burden of the disorder is estimated to be about $14.4 billion a year in the United States. And by 2040, the prevalence of Parkinson's is expected to more than double.

Thanks to advances in brain research, we have a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and researchers recently identified possible environmental and genetic risk factors for Parkinson's.

However, further research is required to unravel the complexities of these neurological disorders. Without breakthroughs, we will not be able to develop new, more effective treatments. Currently available treatments provide relief from some Parkinson's symptoms, but do not halt the progression of Parkinson's. Alzheimer's is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, slowed or cured.

This Brain Awareness Week, I extend my gratitude to the great scientific minds who are advancing our understanding of brain disorders. And let's redouble our efforts to find new breakthroughs in brain research and bring a healthier future in reach for our nation.

Madam Speaker, as I travel to each corner of my district, I hear from workers and families who are optimistic about the new tax cut law and what it means for their pocketbooks.

There is a momentum in our economy, and the latest jobs report from February is another piece of positive news. Last month, the economy added 313,000 jobs, far exceeding expectations; the unemployment rate remained at a 17-year low for the fifth consecutive month; and labor force participation increased by more than 800,000 workers, the biggest surge in 15 years.

Earlier this week, the National Federation of Independent Business released a survey that found small-business owners' confidence in the economy is soaring, and they are prepared to hire and raise wages without a government mandate. Imagine that.

Madam Speaker, these are encouraging signs that our policies of reducing excessive red tape and cutting taxes are working.

Let's build on these results and continue to advance solutions that improve the lives of the people we represent.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to start off by remembering Ray Baum, whom this legislation is named after, very appropriately, and I thank the chairman for sharing him with us. As was correctly stated by the whip, we appreciate the staff that does so much work for us. Leaders like Ray Baum are special. He will be missed, but we will carry on in his memory and in the quality of service that he supplied.

The RAY BAUM'S Act does something that hasn't been done in over 28 years: it reauthorized the Federal Communications Commission. It is amazing to think that we have a commission as important as that and it hasn't been authorized--or reauthorized, or reauthorized. It is time to do it and bring it up to this century, as well, and beyond.

This bipartisan bill is good, forward-thinking policy that modernizes the FCC to ensure it is more transparent, efficient, and able to tackle the issues of the 21st century. It maintains the credibility of spectrum auctions and the promise the FCC made to Michigan broadcasters.

It paves the way for new spectrum auctions that will allow for the United States to maintain its leadership in developing and deploying technologies such as 5G and, ultimately, win the race to 5G.

Additionally, it requires the FCC to report to Congress on its efforts to promote broadband internet access for veterans, especially low-income and rural veterans.

I would love to have broadband to my home, as well.

This bill is critical for consumers and our Nation's telecommunications infrastructure, and I urge its passage today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the truth.

We heard so much dismissal of the tax cut plan before we passed it. Now that we passed it, not only did we read it beforehand, but rereading it again we are seeing the truth is working out.

As I travel around, Mr. Speaker, the Seventh District of Michigan, optimism about the new tax cuts is hard to miss.

I have people coming up to me at the grocery store, at gas stations, even in church, saying: You know, Congressman, we heard a lot of reports that this wasn't for middle class people, but I saw my paycheck in February and, it is true, I got a raise because the government is taking less out of it.

I have heard from a number of workers excited about their bonuses and pay raises and from businesses that are looking to expand their operations.

Just last week, I toured Lowe's home center in Adrian, Michigan, to visit with their team. Because of the new tax law, their employees are receiving $1,000 bonuses and expanded maternity and parental leave.

I toured Cintas' Lansing operations. The tax cut afforded their employees $1,000 bonuses, and they reported to me that day that they jumped now on a plan that they were holding off, but now they are going to build a $17 million facility to add on to their operations.

We already heard about Fiat Chrysler giving out $2,000 bonuses to all of their workers. They are also moving production of the Ram heavy-duty truck plant back from Mexico to Michigan--I wanted to reiterate that-- that is coming home and creating 2,500 new good-paying jobs.

We have also seen announcements from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, utilities in Michigan and in other States, that their customers can expect to see lower utility bills, thanks to the tax cuts. In fact, they have submitted a request to the PSC for almost $400 million in rate reductions. That is real money.

As Vice President Pence said last week when we welcomed him to the Motor City, tax reform is working for Michigan.

Here is even more good news: the benefits are just beginning to kick in.

This tax season is the last time taxpayers will have to file under the old and broken Tax Code.

Under the updated Code, individuals and families at every income level will see tax relief.

The standard deduction is nearly doubled to protect more of people's hard-earned income from taxation.

The child tax credit is expanded from $1,000 to $2,000 to help with the cost of raising kids.

With these new reforms, the typical middle-income family of four will receive a tax cut of more than $2,000.

On top of that, the law will help small businesses thrive, boost job creation here at home, and make our economy stronger and more competitive, like it ought to be, in the United States and in Michigan.

For families across Michigan, the new tax cut law means bigger paychecks and more money in their pockets, not in the Federal Government's pockets. And that is where it belongs.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity at any time to put forward truth, but, more importantly, truth that is optimistic, that builds on our people, that builds on letting them do for themselves with the resources they have earned.

Mr. Speaker, I express appreciation to my colleague for holding this ``truth squad'' opportunity again tonight because people need more of that. They need more optimism that comes from truth that impacts them in a growing and positive way, and I am glad to be part of it.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in supporting the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act.

Under the Obama administration, the FDA put forward an unworkable, one-size-fits-all mandate on restaurants and retail food establishments for providing calorie and nutrition information to customers. As written, many businesses cannot comply with these rules and would be subject to onerous, arbitrary penalties.

H.R. 772 is a bipartisan solution that makes compliance possible by providing small businesses with greater flexibility to provide nutrition information in a way that best serves their customers. It ensures customers receive the nutrition information they want, but does so in a way that takes into account the diversity of restaurants and food products.

This commonsense bill takes a flexible approach that will actually increase access to information for customers and allow good, hardworking Michigan restaurants, grocers, and convenience stores to continue meeting the needs of consumers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who has exemplified service, loyalty, and Christian character. This week, Daryle L. Doden, a graduate of the class of 1968, will receive the Alumnus of the Year award from the Moody Bible Institute Alumni Association.

I had the privilege of serving with Daryle on the Moody Alumni board, and I can attest to his contributions to the Moody community and beyond. His life has exemplified the highest level of integrity and he has earned the respect of many leaders in ministry, business, and his community through his wise stewardship of resources, relationships, and the opportunities that God has given him.

In addition to being a loving husband and father to his five children, Daryle was a very successful businessman who founded Ambassador Steel Company in 1974. As his business grew to become the largest privately owned fabrication company in the United States, so did Daryle's generosity and support for charitable organizations. As another testament to his Christ-like character, he went on to start his own philanthropic arm of Ambassador Steel known as the Master Works Foundation, a platform by which he made a lasting, worldwide impact in both ministry and the marketplace.

As a husband, father, grandfather, boss and friend, Daryle has sought to honor God, knowing that all his success comes from the Lord, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Congratulations to my friend, Daryle Doden, on this much deserved and prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of this funding extension, which includes a vital, long-term reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. This bill provides the longest extension in the history of the CHIP program and provides security for millions of kids and pregnant mothers.

It is important to remember the House has already acted responsibly three times to extend CHIP. In November, this Chamber passed the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act on a bipartisan vote. The bill not only would have extended CHIP for 5 years, but it also addressed other important public health programs like federally qualified health centers. Regretfully, partisanship and political gamesmanship left that bill to languish in the Senate.

My constituents remain frustrated that the majority of my Democratic

colleagues in this Chamber have voted three times against CHIP. The delays and posturing are inexcusable.

Mr. Speaker, I hope everyone in the House votes to pass this extension today so we can get to work on quickly reauthorizing community health centers and other important public health priorities.

I encourage my colleagues to put aside the political games, vote ``aye'' on the bill--the only correct vote--and then tell the Senate to do the right thing as well.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

This past Sunday, I stood at the side of a casket of a beloved longtime friend who had just turned 95 years of age 5 days before. Up until almost her dying day, she was vibrant, was committed to life, touching lives of people, changing lives and making an impact in the world.

I am rejoicing today in a different way because of two brand-new lives that have been born: one to a staff member, and another to a former staff member of mine. Brand-new babies with an opportunity to be dreamers in this world.

Who knows what their lives will be, but isn't this what it is all about?

Life that is lived has impact and then goes on, and new lives to follow, ultimately to have impact, have dreams, and make a difference, and truly establish the divine plan that is the sanctity of life.

This week we are observing the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the 44th March for Life. There are people like us, like Congressman Smith, who have, for the past 35-plus years, been leading this challenge here. It was 35 years ago that I left my dream job as pastor of a local church to speak for life in the halls of the State legislature and end taxpayer-funded abortion.

In Michigan, we still have a law that says abortion is not lawful, but because of Roe v. Wade, we march again this year speaking for life, speaking for the defenseless, speaking for those who would desire, who would dream to be found in a world that they can change.

How did we get into this situation, especially when we have in that Declaration of Independence the immortal statement that says: ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,'' among them, the right to life--the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

John Adams, our second President, said: ``Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.''

May we redouble our efforts to be that moral people that stand on things that are timeless, that were designed by our Creator, God.

Let me end with this: one of our good friends and former colleagues here in this Chamber, one night, gave me a poem that meant a lot to him. As I read that poem, it changed me as well.

It is entitled, ``The Anvil,'' and it simply says:

Last eve, I passed a blacksmith's door

And heard the anvil ring the vespers chime;

Looking in, I saw upon the floor old hammers, worn with

beating years of time.

``How many anvils have you had,'' said I, ``To wear and

batter all of these hammers so?''

``Just one,'' said he;

And then with twinkling eyes, ``The anvil wears the hammers

out, you know.''

And so, thought I, the anvil, called the Master's word,

For ages, skeptic blows have beat upon;

And though the voice of fallen blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed and the hammers gone.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the truth of miracle and blessing of life will prevail and the right to life will be protected for all. Even as we find the anvil stand firm, so will the truth of God's creation of human life. It will remain. Let us all who honor life never give up.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a large number of dedicated autoworkers who live and work in Michigan's Seventh Congressional District. Today I want to recognize one of the truly exceptional ones, Tania Pratnicki Young, the plant manager at Dundee Engine Plant in Dundee, Michigan. Tania has been the plant manager since 2013 and recently reached a remarkable milestone: 40 years with the company.

The Fiat Chrysler plant employs about 700 people and produces engines for various Dodge and Jeep products, including the Jeep Cherokee. Under Tania's leadership, Dundee was the first U.S. facility to be awarded silver status for implementing the principles of World Class Manufacturing. It shows her commitment to excellence in productivity, quality, and safety.

Tania calls Dundee ``the family plant.'' I have had the privilege of touring the factory floor with her and was impressed by the efficiency of the plant and the friendliness of her team. Thanks to people like Tania Pratnicki Young, the auto industry is thriving in Michigan.

Tania, congratulations on your 40-year anniversary.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 140, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, a provision in the pending legislation that will end the National Labor Relations Board's alarming overreach into businesses operated on sovereign Tribal lands.

In March of 2017, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, which I have the privilege of chairing, held a hearing on this legislation and heard from Native American business leaders on how the NLRB's arbitrary use of its jurisdiction had been harming businesses large and small on Tribal lands.

Leaders of the Native American community testified before the subcommittee on how the NLRB had meddled in the day-to-day operations and management of Native American businesses, often dragging out matters for years.

To make matters worse, the proceedings led by the NLRB are creating burdensome legal costs for businesses who are seeking to provide high- quality goods and services to Native American communities.

While members of the NLRB have changed and have begun to make great progress in reversing some of the Board's most damaging decisions, Congress needs to make it clear that Tribal labor sovereignty must be safe from future Washington overreach.

The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act will clarify the National Labor Relations Act and reverse the troubling encroachment of the Federal Government on Tribal lands.

Congress has the opportunity here to stand up for sovereign rights of Native Americans and the businesses they own and operate on their lands. These Tribes have created their own system of labor protections for employees and employers consistent with their lands and traditions, and it is not for Washington bureaucrats to tamper with those protections.

I urge my colleagues to support the sovereignty of all Native American Tribes and pass the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact of those in opposition, but 150 Tribes and individuals from the Native Americans that are asking for this stand in support of this, and we are delighted to listen to that and work for a solution here.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the chairwoman of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe), a gentleman who had a distinguished record of supporting and helping and enabling workers.

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure of yielding 3 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita), the sponsor of this legislation, as well as the chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

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

Mr. Speaker, this has been a telling debate. Again, I think the key question here, as has been asked by so many colleagues: Are Native American Tribes government entities; are they sovereign? The only answer that we can respond with is: Absolutely, yes. They are sovereign. This is not an issue debating NLRB or NLRA. It is going back to what we have established already that, in fact, a sovereign nation, just like a State or local government, is free from the intervention of

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, as I travel the Seventh District of Michigan, I have met with many hardworking families who are living paycheck to paycheck; moms and dads struggling to pay the mortgage, make ends meet; many businesses weighed down by a burdensome and outdated Tax Code. We developed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with them in mind.

For families across my district, our plan means more jobs, more take- home pay, and more money in their pockets. At every income level, people will see meaningful tax relief.

On top of that, our plan will help small businesses thrive, boost job creation here at home, and make our

economy stronger and more competitive.

Mr. Speaker, the choice before us today is clear. We can prop up a broken Tax Code and maintain the status quo, or we can pass the most sweeping tax overhaul in three decades and deliver historic tax relief to those who need it most.

Let's pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensure a brighter future for the families we represent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Gibbs from Springport, Michigan, and congratulate him for being named Jackson County Veteran of the Year.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting Bill at VFW Post 6056 during their Veterans Day ceremony. It was a special evening with a room full of heroes, none more so than Bill.

When our country called during the Vietnam war, Bill answered with tremendous bravery. For his heroism in

harm's way, Bill was awarded the Purple Heart, four Bronze Stars with valor device, and a number of other service medals.

Over the years, Bill has done it all at Post 6056, including serving as post commander, trustee, post historian, and quartermaster for 33 years. When called upon, he performs as an honor guard member at military funerals in the community.

Mr. Speaker, for all this and much more, Bill is incredibly deserving of the Veteran of the Year award, and our Nation is eternally grateful for his service and sacrifice. Thank you, Bill Gibbs, and welcome home.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking the chairman, the ranking member, as well as committee staff for all of their hard work bringing this bipartisan bill to the House floor today.

Mr. Speaker, the EPA's brownfields program is an important grant program for the State of Michigan and, more specifically, the district I represent, Michigan's Seventh District.

Because of Michigan's rich manufacturing history, there are a number of former industrial sites that are ripe for revitalization. These sites can range from large industrial manufacturing sites to local corner gas stations.

This program provides communities the chance to take abandoned and vacant sites and once again turn them into economic assets, all the while cleaning up our beautiful environment.

Just this summer, the EPA announced that the historic former Tecumseh Products site in Tecumseh, Michigan, received a $500,000 grant to revitalize this 53-acre industrial site. This $500,000 grant will go towards cleaning up the former manufacturing facility site and create more jobs in the process.

In Monroe, the brownfields program played a key role in restoring land for the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, which is one of the leading historic attractions in our area, and one

that I am delighted to say I was involved with former Congressman John Dingell in making an impact for this great district.

The positive impact for these communities and many others is invaluable. Revitalizing these blighted areas encourages economic redevelopment, injects new tax revenue into our local economy, and assists local governments with the support they need to address these projects.

H.R. 3017 reauthorizes the vital brownfields program so that more positive work can be done in Michigan and in every one of our districts. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, hardworking families in Michigan have been squeezed for far too long under our broken Tax Code. Wages aren't going up, yet the cost of living keeps getting more expensive.

We developed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with those low- and middle- income families in mind. They need a break.

For folks in Michigan, in Monroe, Jackson, Charlotte, and all across my district, this tax cut plan means bigger paychecks and more money in their pocket. At every income level, people will see meaningful tax relief.

Our plan doubles the standard deduction and increases the child tax credit to help with the costs of raising a family. It also eases the tax burden on small businesses so they can give their workers a raise and create more jobs in the community. It brings back jobs from overseas and incentivizes job creators to expand and hire here at home.

Mr. Speaker, this is a progrowth and proworker plan. Let's pass it today and help the families we represent get the relief they need.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague from Colorado for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate so much tonight the opportunity to speak here during Special Orders. We could talk about the principles of charity from the Scriptures. We could talk from the Scriptures on principles of science. We could talk on principles of education. We could even talk about the principles of taxation and be very up to date as we deal with that here.

But tonight, as we discuss the issues of the Bible in this National Bible Week, I want to go back to my earliest days in my childhood home. I thank God that I had a mother and a father who would speak to me about God's Word, from God's Word, and impart God's Word in my life even when I didn't want it or didn't understand it.

I remember from my earliest days being taught to memorize Psalm 119:11, where it says: ``Thy Word I have treasured in my heart. That I might not sin against Thee.''

As a young man, the thoughts of sin in some cases were enticing, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to put the Scriptures in my life because ultimately, through the course of time, it truly did change my life.

It brought me to the Book of Romans, where in Romans, the third chapter verse 23 said: ``For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.''

With that verse in the Psalm, my mother would say: Tim, this book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.

I found the truth in both of those statements. What I found there in Romans 3:23, that we have all sinned, I identified with that. But it didn't end there because I went over a few pages to Romans 5:8, where it said: ``But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.''

Those are words of Scripture. The Bible impacted my life. As a young man, ultimately, I had to ask: Is that true?

I am so thankful that ultimately I admitted the truth, and I came to Romans again, chapter 10:13, where it says: ``For whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.''

My good friend from Colorado indicated how that changed his life. It changed my life as well, admitting personally that I was a sinner in need of a savior. The Bible said so. It changed my life.

Now, some might reject this. That is okay. But most who seek the truth of the Bible are not disappointed. It truly changes lives. Admittedly, I am not perfect--and my colleagues could identify with that--but I am forgiven. I am forgiven, and every day I have a purpose beyond myself to live in a way that makes a difference because of not who I am, but who this book and my savior has made me be.

So I will end with this, Mr. Speaker, in my namesake, 2 Timothy 2:15, it says to me specifically: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

At the end of each day, Mr. Speaker, because of this passage, I ask, first of all: Is God pleased?

Secondly, has the work been done well?

Thirdly, has the word--the truth--been used well in my life?

If I can answer in the affirmative to each of those based upon the Bible, I know for whatever reason my God has been served well, and I have done the work well.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for leading this Special Order tonight talking about something so significant as the Bible, and I pray that it imparts wisdom to all we do here.