Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018.

Terms like ``capital formation,'' ``liquidity,'' and ``qualified investor'' may sound like Washington jargon. In reality, they represent a few of the many important building blocks that drive our markets and create jobs and opportunity around our country.

On the heels of the largest regulatory relief effort in nearly a decade, the JOBS Act 3.0 will breathe new light into the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our country so special.

This package of nonpartisan reforms includes several policy changes to help small businesses and startups access the most liquid and vibrant markets in the world, including the text of our Main Street Growth Act, which the House unanimously adopted last week.

I appreciate the efforts of the chairman and the ranking member to bring this significant legislation to the floor, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the continued growth of our economy and to vote ``yes'' on the JOBS Act 3.0.

Mr. Speaker, I too rise in support of H.R. 5877, the Main Street Growth Act.

Ever since the JOBS Act was signed into law, Congress has worked hard to build on its success to ensure American businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors are able to realize the real and potential benefits that make our markets the envy of the world.

The Main Street Growth Act continues that discussion. Approved by the House Financial Services Committee by a vote of 56-0, this legislation will facilitate the creation of venture exchanges, a concept many see as a viable means to encourage more early-stage IPOs and improve capital formation.

When businesses go public, jobs are created and new centers of wealth are formed. In fact, a 2012 study found that for the 2,766 companies that participated in an IPO between 1996 and 2010, total employment across these businesses increased by 2.2 million jobs, while total revenue increased by over $1 trillion.

Unfortunately, sustaining and encouraging more companies to move forward with an IPO has proven difficult over time. Every year for the past two decades, the number of public companies in the United States has dropped,

with the only exception being the year Congress passed the JOBS Act.

Since 2009, the number of U.S.-listed IPOs, on average, has hovered at fewer than 200 a year, well below the previous decade's average.

While there are a multitude of factors that a company takes into consideration when determining whether to go public, one such calculation is whether or not the current market structure fosters an active and liquid secondary trading environment for that company's securities.

Ensuring there is a place for investors to easily trade and sell their securities is often a key determinant in a decision not to list, if the business owner is not confident that such a marketplace exists.

Small business hesitation when making this determination is not unfounded. According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, small cap stocks, or those with capitalization below $100 million, typically exhibit the least liquidity, while mid cap stocks, with capitalization between $2 billion and $5 billion, tend to exhibit a greater amount of liquidity.

Recognizing the continued challenges we face in courting new IPOs, and understanding that liquidity is key for small companies interested in going public, as well as securities currently trading in the marketplace, it is clear that we must take steps to better tailor our markets in order to account for the varying size and nature of potential public companies if we are to encourage new capital formation.

Here is where the Main Street Growth Act can help.

Under the Main Street Growth Act, an entity can register with the SEC to establish a venture exchange; a market designed specifically to support the trading of small and emerging companies, as well as currently listed but liquidity-challenged securities.

These venture exchanges will trade venture securities, which include early stage and emerging growth companies, as well as securities currently trading in the marketplace but are below a certain public float or average daily trade volume threshold.

In my home State of Minnesota, there are more than 30 companies currently listed on an exchange that may meet the necessary criteria to explore the benefits of a new venture exchange as envisioned by this legislation.

Additionally, there are over 130 Minnesota-based companies that are not listed publicly and have utilized private means of funding for their businesses, but could qualify to list on a venture exchange to improve their ability to create new growth and employment opportunities.

The Main Street Growth Act includes important provisions to concentrate liquidity by ensuring that the trading of securities listed on a venture exchange may only occur on that venture exchange.

Also, utilizing the current exchange model serves as an efficient way to ensure investor protection while improving their standing in our capital markets.

The Main Street Growth Act is a consensus bill with input from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with the administration as well. It directly complements SEC Chairman Clayton's ongoing efforts to ``examine whether the current market structure meets the needs of all types of companies that have the potential to be public companies.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my gratitude to the chairman and ranking member of the Financial Services Committee and their staff for their tireless work on this legislation and the issues related to improving capital formation in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5877.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the McGovern/Emmer Amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been privileged to meet with many of our nation's veterans. The men and women in our armed forces are heroes and embody the best our nation has to offer. Yet, far too often they do not receive the recognition and credit they deserve. This is especially true when it comes to our nation's Atomic Veterans.

From 1945 to 1962, nearly a quarter of a million servicemen played a role in the testing of nuclear weapons, earning them the title of ``Atomic Veterans''.

They risked their lives and were forced to suffer in silence without proper recognition for their service and bravery.

Since 1990, the federal government has taken different steps to recognize and thank these Atomic Vets, but all have fallen short of official recognition through an award or medal.

Today, that can change with the support from the men and women in this Congress.

With this amendment, we have an opportunity to finally acknowledge the incredible sacrifice these courageous individuals made more than a half century ago.

Our amendment builds upon the authorizing language which has been unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives in every National Defense Authorization Act for the past three years.

That language requires the Department of Defense to issue a service medal to the veterans or surviving families of those members of our Armed Forces who participated in above-ground nuclear weapons testing; were part of the U.S. military occupation forces in or around Hiroshima and Nagasaki before 1946; or were held as POWs in or near Hiroshima or Nagasaki.

Our amendment today would provide $250,000 for the Department of Defense to begin the process of creating this award so we can honor the individuals who have served their country.

These veterans left their homes, left their families, and put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms and liberties we enjoy each and every day. Unfortunately, this recognition may come too late for many of our Atomic Vets, but it is our job to ensure these brave soldiers get the recognition they deserve.

Again, I'd like to thank Congressman McGovern and his staff for his efforts on this issue, as well as Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Visclosky for their hard work on the underlying bill.

I urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, today I was unable to vote for two important bills that add to the House's ongoing efforts to combat the opioid and substance abuse crisis in America. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on H.R. 6082, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act, to align 42 CFR Part 2 with HIPAA privacy regulations, allowing doctors to provide the best medical care for patients who suffer from the crippling disease that is substance use disorder. Doctors cannot treat a whole patient with half a medical record. I would also have voted Yes on the IMD Care Act, H.R. 5797 to expand treatment options for patients.

Mr. Chairman, when we talk about the opiate crisis, we talk often of its victims, but there is an important group that we are leaving out: survivors.

Individuals who complete inpatient rehabilitation and other treatment programs have been forgotten and left behind without a way to begin a new life. In particular, finding a suitable place to call home can be especially challenging.

Research has proven the connection between substance use and homelessness. It is time that Congress take a closer look.

Today, nearly 110,000 Americans are homeless, with approximately half suffering chronic addictions to drugs, alcohol, or both. Approximately 70 percent of homeless veterans are estimated to suffer from substance use disorder.

We continue to focus on treatment and prevention, but unless we simultaneously look toward assisting those who need support after treatment, this terrible crisis will continue. That is why I rise today in support of H.R. 5735 introduced by my colleague, Andy Barr, whose home State of Kentucky is no stranger to the opiate crisis.

Called the THRIVE Act, or the Transitional Housing for Recovery in Viable Environments Demonstration Program Act, this program will kick off a 5-year demonstration program to support transitional housing. Specifically, 10,000 Section 8 housing vouchers will be set aside specifically for people with an opiate use disorder.

Transitional housing takes a wraparound approach by providing its residents with a stable, supportive environment to address their addiction, mental health, and/or homelessness. Required participation in recovery classes, life skills education classes, mandatory savings plans, and full-time or part-time employment work together to support residents as they continue to improve their lives.

Homelessness and addiction create a vicious cycle, and these Americans need help to break it. With this bill, Congress can step in and provide some assistance for their next step of recovery.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 5735.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a local hero in my district, Sherburne County Veteran Service Officer Bruce Price.

County veteran service officers are one of the most important resources for our Nation's veterans. When our veterans need help filing a claim for disability or arranging transportation to their VA hospital appointments, service officers like Bruce are always there to serve.

Bruce and his staff go beyond this call of duty. They see 3,000 individuals every year and field nearly 20,000 calls from veterans experiencing difficulty or seeking resources.

While it was no secret to our community that Bruce is a hero, his efforts are now finally being recognized nationally. Bruce received the Life, Well Run Community Hero Award for his outstanding service to others from the International City/County Management Association. We are grateful to have such an outstanding public servant in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District.

Congratulations, Bruce, and thank you for your service.

Recognizing the Minnesota Lynx

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of one of Minnesota's most incredible and most successful sports teams, the four- time Women's National Basketball Association champions, Minnesota Lynx.

The Minnesota Lynx started their inaugural season in 1999 with just 12,000 fans in attendance to watch the first regular-season game. This year, as they celebrate their 20th season, the stands are packed. That is because, with four championships in the last 7 years, the Lynx are a dynasty, one that continues to grow.

While they have many incredible individual players, the Lynx are a true team on and off the court. The Lynx are active in our local community in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but they take their commitment to service even beyond our State's lines.

This week, I look forward to joining the team at Payne Elementary School at an event with the Samaritan's Feet Shoes of Hope Distribution. I also look forward to many more winning seasons from this group of talented and dedicated athletes.

Congratulations to the Lynx on 20 seasons, four championships, and the many more victories that surely lie ahead. You make Minnesota proud.

Celebrating 21st Century Bank's 100th Anniversary

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible financial institution in my district, 21st Century Bank.

Beginning as the Farmer's State Bank of Cedar in Anoka County in 1917, it served the rural agricultural community and is one of the few banks to come through the Great Depression. Over 100 years later, the bank has expanded across Minnesota, opening locations all over our State, including four banks in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District.

At the helm is Thomas P. Dolphin, who said: ``In the beginning, it was a handshake that sealed the deal, and that is still true today at 21st Century Bank.''

Having been at the bank for more than 40 years, Tom has been an integral part of transforming 21st Century Bank from a small rural bank with just $3 million in assets to an urban financial network with more than $425 million in assets, allowing them to serve more families across Minnesota.

21st Century Bank brings convenient banking and reliable service; and, indeed, most businesses that work with them are small- to medium- sized businesses, making 21st Century Bank part of the foundation of our local economy.

After celebrating their 100th anniversary, they continue bringing families and small businesses the services they so desperately need. With respect and gratitude, thank you to the Dolphin family and to everyone at 21st Century Bank for your contribution to our local communities. We look forward to the next 100 years.

Carver County, Healthiest County in Minnesota

Mr. Speaker, there is no question that exercise is good for the body. Whether it is walking, biking, or playing hockey on a frozen lake, exercise reduces your chances of getting heart disease, helps maintain a healthy weight, improves mood and mental functioning, and so much more.

In my State, no place does it better than Carver County in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Carver County has been named our State's healthiest county by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the sixth consecutive year. The rankings are based on, among other factors, how people feel and how long they live.

The walkability of cities and towns in Carver allow its residents to skip the car ride and use their own two feet to get to the grocery store or shop; and with countless parks, playgrounds, and trails, there are plenty of places for Minnesotans to enjoy the outdoors.

Congratulations to the residents of Carver County for grabbing the top spot once again and setting a great example for the rest of our State to get out and get active.

Mr. Speaker, today Congress has a rare opportunity to help millions of Americans achieve their version of the American Dream.

The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act is the most significant progrowth, deregulation bill this Chamber has considered in years. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will reduce the amount of red tape that prevents Americans from accessing the credit they need to buy a home, a car, or start or expand a business. It will foster economic growth and make regulation efficient, effective, and tailored. Perhaps most importantly, it will empower individual Americans to make independent financial decisions and informed choices in the marketplace.

Dozens of the provisions in S. 2155 originated right here in the House, and I am pleased to see the text of my Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act and Keeping Capital Local for Underserved Communities Act, legislation that I worked on closely with my colleague from Wisconsin, Representative Gwen Moore, included in the bill today.

Whether it is in Rockford, St. Cloud, or Forest Lake, Minnesota, I consistently hear from small banks and credit unions that want to be that next critical source of capital and support for families, businesses, and communities around the State. This bill will allow them to be just that.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hensarling for his tireless work on this legislation, and, knowing full well that our work here is far from complete, I urge my colleagues to make history today. Support giving more Americans the opportunity to achieve their American Dream, and pass S. 2155.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member for his leadership, as well. There seems to be a lot of Minnesotans very concerned about this issue.

I rise today in support of H.R. 1972, the VA Billing Accountability Act, authored by my colleague from Pennsylvania, Representative Lloyd Smucker. I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation.

During my time in Congress, I have been privileged to meet with many of our Nation's veterans. Far too often, our Nation's heroes do not get the treatment and care they deserve.

During my early days in Congress, nearly 1,500 instances of the delayed payment of veterans' medical bills were uncovered at a local VA in my home State of Minnesota. Without notification or explanation, veterans were seeing their monthly statement increase by hundreds of dollars, understandably causing panic and worry.

After Congress got involved, the VA helped our veterans by outlining explanations for the charges, repayment options, and above all, offering them reassurance and relief from the stress and anxiety they were experiencing. This story is one of the many illustrating the need for the VA Billing Accountability Act.

This issue is not unique to Minnesota. In 2015, 1.7 million improper bills were issued by the VA, leading to $13.9 erroneously collected from our Nation's heroes.

Veterans and their loved ones have sacrificed so much in defense of our Nation. Unacceptable delays in payment and billing errors intensify the care disparity veterans already face. The VA must be held accountable, and H.R. 1972 is the first step in creating a more transparent Veterans Administration.

Specifically, the bill will authorize the VA to waive payment for delayed bills that veterans receive due to VA error.

Minnesota is home to 337,362 veterans, each of whom deserves quality care without the stress and anxiety caused by unexpected or incorrect billings. Our Nation's servicemembers should not have to pay for errors or delays caused by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank Representative Smucker for his leadership on this issue; as well as Chairman Roe; my colleague, the ranking member from Minnesota's Seventh District, and the entire staff of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for their hard work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 1972.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of an amendment that I was pleased to coauthor with my colleague, Representative Costello from Pennsylvania.

Our amendment directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate a beginning farmer and rancher coordinator in each of the 50 States at no cost to the taxpayer. According to the 2017 National Young Farmers survey, a lack of familiarity with Federal programs was among the top reasons young farmers don't access those programs.

At a time when there are six times as many farmers over the age of 65 as there are under the age of 35, now more than ever, we need to help grow the next generation of farmers. Minnesotans who farm have made our State a top producer for sugar, beets, and turkeys.

Meanwhile, in my colleague's home State of Pennsylvania, dairy and mushrooms top the list. Each State is different, and so are the challenges facing their farmers. Having a State-specific coordinator will ensure outreach efforts that are tailored to every State's need.

The Costello amendment is supported by the National Young Farmers Coalition as well. I thank the chairman for his work on the farm bill and his support of this amendment, and urge my colleagues to do the same. Support America's young farmers by supporting this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 181; YEA on Roll Call No. 182; and YEA on Roll Call No. 183.

Mr. Chairman, in my home State of Minnesota, agriculture is one of the primary drivers of our economy. Right now, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers across the country are looking to Congress for a strong farm bill that improves the farm safety net and brings certainty to producers in uncertain times because life on the farm isn't what it used to be.

Today, farmers are suffering some of the worst rates of suicide in the country. General social isolation, downturn of the markets, low farm income, regulatory strains, and a lack of treatment options all make it hard for farmers to get the help they need.

That is why I introduced the STRESS Act to boost resources specifically for farmers' mental health. With the support of Chairman Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to see it included in this year's farm bill.

Our farmers who feed the world are feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. It is time we get them the help and care they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Andy Merfeld, an outstanding educator from my district, for being named Principal of the Year by the Central Minnesota Association of Secondary Principals. The Central Minnesota Association of Secondary Principals consists of over 200 administrators from more than 18 counties. The Principal of the Year is selected for excellence as a collaborative leader, unique curriculum, and personalization. With this

distinction, Principal Merfeld will be considered for the Principal of the Year award.

As principal of St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West, and after 16 years with the St. Michael-Albertville school district, Principal Merfeld has built a legacy as an educator and as a leader. He goes above and beyond, serving on the district's finance advisory committee and co-chairing a working group that aims to expand math opportunities for high-achieving middle school students.

To Principal Merfeld, thank you and congratulations. Minnesota's Sixth District is grateful for dedicated educators like you.

Capital One

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Capital One, its executive team, and its employees for their generosity and commitment to our local communities.

Since 2012, Capital One has generously donated over $80,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota to support the mission of enabling young people to reach their full potential.

In particular, a Capital One grant to fund Project Learn helps advance the goal of equipping our kids with coding skills to meet the needs of the future. Capital One recognizes the importance of STEM- and tech-related skills to the future of our Nation, and I thank them for investing in our Nation's future leaders.

Thank you, Capital One, for your commitment to the young people of central Minnesota. We are grateful for your team in our community.

Recognizing Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association, a volunteer service organization, committed to providing opportunity for students across all skill levels to play and compete in recreational athletics. Comprised of coaches, parents, directors, commissioners, and board members, the organization serves nearly 40,000 Minnesotans each year.

For over 40 years, Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association has sought to provide character development through competition. Selfless volunteers have donated over 300,000 hours planning, coaching, training, maintaining fields, working concessions, and overall operations to ensure that our kids have the opportunity to participate in sports like baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, wrestling, tennis, and soccer.

To the volunteers of the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association for your decades of service, thank you.

Congratulating St. Cloud State University Wrestling

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the St. Cloud State University Wrestling team for winning this year's NCAA Division II National Championship. The young men on this team strive every year for excellence, and for the third time in the last 4 years, it paid off. But this year was special.

For the first time in Husky history, the team also clinched four titles in one season. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title, the National Duals, and Regional and National tournament titles were all achieved. The perseverance and success of our Husky wrestlers reminds us all that when you commit to excellence and you work hard, the results will follow.

Congratulations to the outstanding student athlete wrestlers of the St. Cloud State Wrestling team for your remarkable achievement and another memorable season.

Recognizing Teachers, Coaches, and First Responders

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding teachers, coaches, and first responders who saved the life of my constituent, Ryan Monahan of Big Lake, Minnesota. Ryan, who is only 15 years old and a student at Monticello High School, unexpectedly went into sudden cardiac arrest after a basketball practice.

The quick thinking and preparedness of the people around him saved his life. A call was immediately placed to 911 and five heroic coaches and teachers worked together to use the automated external defibrillator to revive Ryan. We are grateful to all who helped save Ryan's life.

Ryan was lucky. Unfortunately, more than 7,000 Americans lose their life to sudden cardiac arrest every year. It is my hope that Ryan's story serves as a reminder to all of us of the value of being prepared for an emergency like this.

Our local community back home in Minnesota is so grateful to those who reacted so swiftly, as well as all of the first responders who saved Ryan. Thank you all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4790, which makes important changes to our financial regulatory system that will provide clarity and consistency for our community financial institutions.

I want to thank my colleague from Arkansas for bringing this important legislation forward. The Volcker rule, a creation of the Dodd-Frank Act, sought to prohibit reckless trading and investment strategies to protect consumers. Instead, it has led to yet another overly complex one-size-fits-all regulatory regime that adds additional pressure on our already overregulated community banks.

The complexities of this rule and its unintended consequences have been acknowledged by the current and prior administration as well as by Members on both sides of the aisle. The mere fact that five different agencies: the Fed; the FDIC; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the OCC; Securities and Exchange Commission, the SEC; and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the CFTC, are responsible for implementing and enforcing one rule should tell the American people everything they need to know about how fragmented and confusing the Volcker rule can be.

That is why I am pleased to see H.R. 4790, the Volcker Rule Regulatory Harmonization Act come before the House today to provide an exemption for our small community financial institutions and to streamline the regulatory authority of the Volcker rule.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will free up banks on Main Street Minnesota and in towns all across the country, allowing them to spend more time lending to consumers and small businesses and less time wondering if the heavy hand of the Federal Government is going to come crashing down on him.

Again, I thank Mr. Hill for his hard work on this issue and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4790.

Mr. Speaker, many years ago, an outstanding coach from my home State of Minnesota once said, ``I learned early on that you do not put greatness into people but somehow try to pull it out.'' That coach was Herb Brooks, who led Team USA to victory at the 1980 Olympics. Minnesota is home to many outstanding coaches who carry on the legacy of Coach Brooks every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of my district's incredible coaches for receiving awards from the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association. St. Michael-Albertville High School's Jerremiah Johnson achieved the AA John Mariucci coach of the year award, and Andover High School's Brett Barta received the assistant head coach of the year award.

In Minnesota, we treat the sport of hockey as a lifestyle, and our youth coaches spend a lot of time with our young people. I am proud that coaches like Coach Johnson and Coach Barta are carrying on the legacy of Minnesota legends like John Mariucci and Herb Brooks and pulling the greatness out of our young athletes every day.

Thank you, Jerremiah and Brett, for passing on lessons in perseverance, integrity, and the great game of hockey to the next generation.

Celebrating the St. Michael-Albertville High School Wrestling Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the St. Michael- Albertville High School wrestling team for winning their first-ever undisputed Class 3A State title. The young men on this team came close to winning in 2013. Due to a tie, however, they had to share the title with another team. But not this year. This year, the St. Michael- Albertville High School wrestling team finished what they started.

Congratulations to the wrestlers of St. Michael-Albertville High School for your first State championship. We expect many more.

Recognizing Tammy Oveson for Being Named National Childcare Provider of

the Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tammy Oveson of Waite Park, Minnesota. Tammy is an outstanding childcare provider in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. She operates Learn `n Play Preschool and was recently named National Childcare Provider of the Month for her dedication to early childhood development and learning techniques.

Mr. Speaker, right now in Minnesota, at this moment, Tammy and her assistant, Karla, are working with young children who will one day grow up to be great citizens and, hopefully, leaders of this great Nation. Tammy and Karla's work keeps Minnesota and our Nation moving forward. I am grateful for them and all of our childcare providers, teachers, counselors, and educators who are fostering future generations of Americans across the country.

I am honored to recognize Tammy today and thank and congratulate her on the incredible work she does for young Minnesotans.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Vietnam Veteran Leo K. Thorsness

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Vietnam veterans, to remember the heroes who served our great Nation during the most expansive war in American history. To those who have passed and those still living, we offer our humble and eternal thank you. While you may not have always received a warm welcome or the gratitude you deserve, we honor your sacrifice to this Nation, now and forever.

The great State of Minnesota is home to many of these incredible heroes, and today I am proud to honor the life and legacy of Leo K. Thorsness, who was recently interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Leo was Minnesota's last living recipient of the Medal of Honor. He deserved that great honor and distinction for the incredible courage he displayed in the Vietnam war.

During his time in Vietnam, Leo was captured and imprisoned for 6 years, spending one full year in solitary confinement. In honor of brave men like Leo, I rise today to say thank you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your willingness to put your life on the line and fight to preserve America's values.

Recognizing Anoka County Special Deputy Vern Waldner

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vern Waldner of Anoka County, Minnesota. After serving for 26 years as special deputy with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office reserve program, Vern is retiring.

Local communities are made better by people like Vern who are willing to give their time and service to help others. Simply put, he made Anoka a safer place to live.

For nearly three decades, Vern ensured the safety of families during each annual Anoka Halloween Parade, an event so large and so widely attended, it has earned Anoka the title ``Halloween Capital of the World.'' Vern was at that parade every year, dedicated to protecting his neighbors and friends.

As a community, we are grateful for Vern and congratulate him on being the second longest serving reserve deputy in Anoka County history. Thank you, Vern. We wish you a long and happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding person and a friend.

Don Lucia started playing hockey on outdoor rinks in northern Minnesota as a boy. After playing the game through high school and college, he became one of the most successful college hockey coaches in the country. Recently, Coach Lucia announced he will retire from coaching the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey team after 19 seasons.

During his tenure at Minnesota, Don's teams regularly finished at the top of the WCHA and, more recently, won the Big Ten Conference 4 out of the past 5 years. His teams also made the NCAA playoffs 13 times and won two national titles.

As a player growing up in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Don was a leader. He was disciplined, and he made everyone around him better. As a coach, he not only built winning teams, he developed young men.

Don is retiring as a true ambassador for the game. While he will no longer be coaching our Minnesota Gophers, I hope Don continues to be a leader for the game of hockey and for our State for years to come.

Don, thank you for leading our Gophers to victory time and time again. Good luck to you; your wonderful wife, Joyce; and the rest of the Lucia family as you start the next chapter.