Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Minnesota's very own Dan Coborn.

Dan Coborn, a native son of the St. Cloud community, recently passed, but his memory will live on.

Dan will be remembered as an executive who helped his family's business grow and succeed. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father whose wife and five children meant the world to him.

Perhaps most importantly, Dan Coborn will be remembered for his charity and generosity. Over the span of his life, Dan Coborn gave back to a number of charities that included the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.

In addition to financially giving back to these charities, he also gave his time by serving as a board member of the St. Cloud Hospital and the Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools, in addition to serving as a founding member of the United Way of Central Minnesota.

Dan Coborn was a hero in our community, and his passing is a massive loss to us all. I wish his family peace during this difficult time, and I promise his life's work will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I thank Chairman Ed Royce, Ranking Member Engel as well, and the entire staff on the Committee on Foreign Affairs for working to get this important legislation to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, when many Americans look back in our Nation's history, they remember the iconic nature of the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle or the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs in New York. Those events highlighted the best the United States had to offer in science, technology, and innovation, all while bringing visitors and revenue to this great country.

While the United States remains a global leader in these fields, our country has been noticeably absent over the past three decades when it comes to hosting a World's Fair. In fact, New Orleans was the last city in the United States to host a World's Fair in 1984. But it is time for that to change and to bring this incredible event back to our great country.

Thankfully, in recent years there has been an upsurge of local interest in hosting a World's Fair. Exploratory committees in Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are actively considering bidding to host a future World's Fair. Currently, my home State of Minnesota is competing against Argentina and Poland to do just that, with the goal of hosting the 2023 World Expo. However, under the current rules, the Bureau of International Expositions will not give bids submitted by a nonmember country the same consideration as those from a country who is a member of the organization.

For those of you who may not know, the Bureau of International Expositions is the intergovernmental organization in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos. Despite being one of the founding members in 1928, the United States has not been a member since 2001. The U.S. must renew its membership so Minneapolis and every city across the country can have an opportunity to host a World's Fair.

That is why I have introduced and I am happy to see H.R. 534 under consideration before the House today. The U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act provides the Secretary of State with the authority to rejoin the Bureau of International Expositions so that U.S. cities can compete against foreign cities to host a World Expo. The 6-month World Expo, held every 5 years, can draw millions of visitors and generate billions of dollars in tourism, construction, and other job-creating economic activity, all while promoting exports of U.S. products around the world.

In Minnesota's case, a 2016 economic analysis conducted by Rockport Analytics found that hosting the 2023 World Expo will attract 12 million visitors, create almost 22,000 jobs, yield $185.3 million in State and local tax revenue, and generate $1.5 billion in total economic benefits. This legislation also has safeguards for protecting taxpayers and ensuring proper use of funds. Recognizing the difficult fiscal climate our country currently faces, H.R. 534 authorizes the use of private funds to pay outstanding as well as future membership dues. It also maintains taxpayer safeguards which prohibit tax dollars from being used to fund a United States pavilion or exhibit at an international exposition or World's Fair.

By approving this legislation today, we will give American cities the ability to compete with other cities around the world to host future Expos and World's Fairs where we can showcase American innovation and success while continuing to be wise stewards of the taxpayers' hard- earned dollars.

Again, I thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel in helping bring this legislation to the floor today. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation, and I look forward to bringing the next World's Fair back to the United States.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Supporting America's Innovators Act of 2017.

Far too often, during my travels throughout Minnesota's Sixth District, I hear frustrations from small-business owners and entrepreneurs about the difficulties they face gaining access to working capital.

With Dodd-Frank's one-size-fits-all regulation being imposed on the banks and credit unions that drive America, our Nation's job creators struggle to grow existing businesses and to even start new ones.

Today's small business is tomorrow's big business, and if our entrepreneurs and job creators are to succeed, we must remove the roadblocks currently standing in their way.

Companies that started in a garage are now Fortune 500 companies and global giants that provide goods and services across the globe. These include many brands and companies we all use each and every day such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and even Minnesota's own, Medtronic. They all started with a dream, a lot of hope, and necessary access to tools, resources, and, most importantly, working capital.

Not only does the limited access to working capital affect our State and local economies, it impacts opportunities and jobs for hardworking Americans. Small businesses are responsible for nearly 70 percent of new jobs in this country. This legislation will help put Americans to work.

The Supporting America's Innovators Act updates current law to increase the number of individuals who are able to invest in and support startups and small businesses across the country. This bill will help jump-start capital formation for local businesses and entrepreneurs, enabling Main Street America to not just survive but to, once again, thrive.

I want to thank Congressman McHenry for introducing this bill that received, again, near unanimous support in the committee, and I encourage all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of National Agriculture Day, I rise to honor and thank the men and women who feed our Nation.

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in our economy. It is cultivated and maintained by our Nation's farmers who rise before the sun every day and work long hours 7 days a week so that Americans can have safe, quality food to feed their families. It is not an easy job, but it is certainly an important one.

In order to fully honor and appreciate our farmers and their devotion to the agriculture industry, we must do more than recognize their hard work 1 day a year. We must also invest in and work to better the agriculture industry every day of the year. That is why, for as long as I serve in Congress, I will continue to meet with, work for, and advocate on behalf of our farmers.

Happy National Agriculture Day, and a huge thank-you to every American farmer.

Celebrating Jeff Amacher's 20 Years of Service with the Centennial Fire

District

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Jeff Amacher of Circle Pines, Minnesota, for more than 20 years of service with the Centennial Fire District.

Fighting fires and protecting Minnesotans is not an easy job, but it is one that is absolutely crucial to our community and the safety of our citizens. It takes a special kind of person to rush into a burning building and to put themselves in harm's way to save the life of another.

I commend Jeff for exuding such bravery over the past 20 years. I not only would like to thank Jeff for his commitment to our community, but I want to congratulate him for being recognized for his brave work by the Circle Pines City Council.

Jeff, we wish you a happy and peaceful retirement spent with your family and friends. After a life of service, you deserve it.

Recognizing U.S. Bancorp

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate U.S. Bancorp on being recently named the World's Most Admired Superregional Bank by Fortune Magazine. This is the seventh consecutive year they have received this honor, which is no small feat by any means.

U.S. Bancorp has also been recognized by Fortune Magazine for ranking among the top ten companies spanning across all industries for upholding four of Fortune's nine key characteristics of reputation. The characteristics that U.S. Bancorp has maintained include: quality of management, long-term investment value, use of corporate assets, and financial soundness.

Minnesotans can be proud of a Minnesota-based company that ranks as one of the world's best performers. This honor is undoubtedly due to the excellent work of the employees, as well as the extraordinary vision and leadership of those who run this fine company.

Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment.

Recognizing Thrivent Financial for Helping Minnesotans Acquire Homes

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thrivent Financial for this amazing organization's work to help Minnesota families acquire a home.

Thrivent Financial is a longtime partner of Habitat for Humanity. During the partnership, they have given more than $2 million in grants to build quality low-income housing so that 24 families in our community could afford to buy a home. This year, Thrivent has given another $66,000, which will be used to build the 25th home, this time for a family right here in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

As a result of their service to Minnesota families, Thrivent has been inducted into the Habitat for Humanity's Business Partner Hall of Fame.

I want to commend both Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial on this excellent partnership, and thank them for their generous service to the residents of Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mackenthun's Fine Foods in Waconia, Minnesota, for 100 years of business success.

At the beginning of the 20th century, August Mackenthun began a family tradition of making homemade sausage. This tradition was commercialized in 1917 when his son, Arthur, bought a sausage maker from Germany and opened Mackenthun's Meat Market in Waconia.

What began as a modest business quickly transformed into a booming success as Mackenthun's developed a reputation for producing quality meats.

Today, the business is run by Kim and Laurie Mackenthun and their family. While it is now a full-service supermarket, they have maintained the family tradition by offering their signature homemade sausage in the meat department.

Congratulations to the entire Mackenthun family for their 100-year commitment to the family business, for upholding their longstanding tradition, and for exemplifying the American Dream.

We wish you another century of success.

A Legend Lost

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and career of a legendary Minnesotan who passed away just last week. Ray Christensen was a renowned sportscaster in the North Star State and best known for his radio play-by-play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

A native-born Minnesotan, Ray grew up in Minneapolis and bravely served our country in World War II. After returning from the war, Ray attended the University of Minnesota where he lettered in baseball.

Upon graduation, Ray began his career announcing Gopher football games for WCCO in 1951 and basketball games in 1956. Ray worked for WCCO as a sportscaster until 2001 and was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ray was the voice that we all grew up with. His voice was the one that we listened to every game day, and Minnesota athletics will certainly not be the same without him. I speak for all Minnesotans when I say that he will truly be missed.

A Top Minnesota School

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Delano Elementary School in my district for being recognized as a Reward School for the fourth time in the past 5 years.

In order to be categorized as a Reward School, the school must be in the top 15 percent of the highest performing schools in the State. Delano Elementary School's updated curriculum, improved physical education program, and new music classes are the best.

A good education opens all of life's doors, and I would like to thank Delano Elementary School for giving Minnesota students the key. Your dedication to our children deserves recognition, and I am proud to congratulate your work here today.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome an incredible individual who is new to Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District.

John Graw, a World War II veteran, recently moved to Ramsey to be closer to his daughters. Upon his arrival in Ramsey--which was, coincidentally, the day before Veterans Day--the Ramsey City Council awarded John with a key to the city and a letter welcoming him to the community.

John was a master sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force and served with the Mediterranean Allied Air Force that fought in the North African Campaign as well as the European theater in Italy and France during World War II.

I am so glad that John received such a warm welcome to Ramsey, especially because he came to the defense of our Nation during one of its darkest times. It is inspiring to know that this hero lives among us, and it is an honor to stand here today and welcome this member of the Greatest Generation to our community.

Mr. Speaker, the American people's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure by our government must always be protected. Unfortunately, our privacy protections from government intrusion have not kept pace with the way we communicate with each other. It is long past time that we update our Nation's electronic communication privacy laws.

The last time we updated these laws was 1986. That was 6 years after the U.S. Olympic Hockey team's Miracle on Ice, 2 years after I graduated from college, and 1 year before the Minnesota Twins won their first World Series. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, that was a long time ago.

Today, more than 200 million Americans have access to a smartphone, and many more use email and cloud technology. However, many Americans may not realize that these antiquated laws allow law enforcement to read every email that is more than 6 months old, without a warrant.

The Email Privacy Act would codify the reasonable expectation of privacy Americans already have in their electronic communications by requiring a search warrant for private digital communications.

I was pleased to support this legislation when it passed unanimously in the House last Congress, and I look forward to its swift consideration in both Chambers in the 115th. I urge all of my

colleagues to support this long overdue modification of the law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Minnesota public servant. After nearly a decade of service to his community, my friend and St. Michael's former mayor, Jerry Zachman, I congratulate him on his retirement.

Jerry has deep roots in St. Michael, as he is a part of the fifth generation of his family to live there, and these strong ties to his beloved community, no doubt, inspired Jerry to serve.

As the community began to grow and develop, his main goal was to ensure that St. Michael residents were always put first. I think it is safe to say that Jerry did just that. During his 10 years as mayor, Jerry made numerous improvements to this ever-growing community and city. One major project Jerry played a huge role in is the expansion of the I-94 corridor, which cuts through Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District.

I thank Jerry for his unwavering dedication to St. Michael and to our great State, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future.

An X Games Star

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an athlete from my district who has persevered and conquered, achieved, despite challenges that have been presented to him during his life.

This past week, snowmobile motocross racer Mike Schultz, from St. Cloud, Minnesota, won his sixth gold medal at the Winter X Games. Mike lost his left leg during a tragic accident in 2008. This past week, he competed amongst opponents who were also amputees or partially paralyzed.

Mike Schultz serves as a wonderful reminder of what can be accomplished when one never gives up and displays courage in the face of extreme challenge. It is inspiring to see a young man come out on top against such adversity.

We are proud of you, Mike, and I look forward to watching you compete in the 2017 International Paralympic Committee World Para Snowboard Championships in Canada later this year. I have no doubt you will be victorious once again.

Minnesota's Media Mogul

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of the great leaders in Minnesota. Stanley S. Hubbard, the president and chairman of Hubbard Broadcasting, has been awarded the First Amendment Leadership Award from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation. Hubbard Broadcasting owns several media outlets, including KSTP, a local news affiliate in the great State of Minnesota.

Stan Hubbard is well-known in his industry. In fact, he has already been inducted into the Broadcast & Cable Hall of Fame, and he has received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Broadcasters.

The First Amendment Leadership Award is presented annually to a business or government leader who has made a significant contribution to the protection of the First Amendment and the freedom of the press. This award was made for someone like Stan Hubbard.

Stan Hubbard, of Hubbard Broadcasting, has spent his entire career in the media protecting and promoting free speech and a free and accountable press.

Congratulations to you, Stan, and to the entire Hubbard Broadcasting family. You deserve this award because you earn it every day.

Madam Speaker, this past week our community lost a dedicated leader and a friend. Dick Bernick, the patriarch of the third generation to run family-owned Bernick's Companies, passed away after an incredible life.

Bernick's Companies is a Minnesota success story. This past year, Bernick's and the Bernick family reached an amazing milestone with the 100th anniversary celebration of the business. Dick played a huge role in that success by guiding and growing the family business through good and financially difficult times.

Dick Bernick's life was an American success not just because of his business, but because his life was filled with family, friends, and service to the community he so loved. Dick gave so much to the St. Cloud community. In fact, his company continues to donate a percentage of its profits back to different charities and organizations in the communities that Bernick serves.

We send our sincere condolences to Dick's wife, Lila; his children; and the rest of his family. We hope that you will find comfort in the fact that Dick's life and his legacy of generosity have left an indelible mark on the community that he loved, and that he will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate First National Bank in Elk River, for receiving a PACE Business Award from the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.

Each year the chamber awards businesses in the area who have excelled in the private sector, and this year First National Bank received the prestigious Business of the Year Award. This award could not have gone to a more deserving business.

As time passes, businesses come and go, but not the First National Bank. This family run business has been serving Minnesotans for an astonishing one hundred and fifteen years.

The key to their success has not only been their wonderful customer service, but their ability to adapt. They constantly offer the most up to date services so that their customers remain happy and loyal.

I want to congratulate First National Bank for this incredible honor, and I wish them nothing but success in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Serrano Brothers Catering in Elk River for receiving a PACE Business Award from the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.

Every year the Elk River Chamber awards businesses in the area for excellence in commerce, and this year, Serrano Brothers Catering received the New Business of the Year Award.

Serrano Brothers Catering has added a unique touch to the Elk River community. Their eclectic menu includes homemade Italian food, authentic Polish food, as well as American BBQ. This diversity in addition to their excellent service is undoubtedly why they have been so successful.

When opening a new business, the business owners do so at a personal risk, so that they may offer a new product and service to the community.

Serrano Brothers Catering took this risk and it has paid off, making them incredibly deserving of this award. I wish them nothing but luck in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sportech in Elk River, for receiving a PACE Business Award from the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.

Every year the Elk River Chamber awards successful businesses in the area, and this year Sportech received the Employer of the Year Award.

Sportech maintains high spirits among their two hundred and fifty employees by providing flexible hours so they can spend time with their loved ones, giving them quality equipment to work with, and by raising overall morale with fun team building activities.

The happiness of their employees is surely the reason that Sportech produces quality products every year, making over two hundred million dollars last year alone.

The employees are the backbone of each and every company. They are the ones who work tirelessly to ensure that the business that

they work for remains successful and I commend Sportech for recognizing that important fact.

Sportech is more than deserving of this award, and I wish them continued success in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Minnesota public servant. After nearly a decade of service to his community, my friend, and St. Michael Mayor. Jerry Zachman is retiring from his post.

Jerry has deep roots in St. Michael as he is a part of the fifth generation of his family to live there and these strong ties to his beloved community no doubt inspired Jerry to serve.

As the community began to grow and develop, his main goal was to ensure St. Michael residents were always put first. I think that it's safe to say that Jerry did just that.

During his ten years as mayor, Jerry has made numerous improvements to this ever-growing city. One major project Jerry played a huge role in is the expansion of the I-94 corridor, which cuts through Minnesota's Sixth District.

I would like to thank Jerry for his unwavering dedication to St. Michael and to our great state, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate three small businesses in Elk River, Minnesota, who have been recognized by the Elk River Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding track record over the past year.

I want to congratulate the First National Bank for being named Business of the Year, Serrano Brothers Catering for being recognized as the New Business of the Year, and Sportech for being honored as the Employer of the Year.

Small businesses are a huge driver of our economy in the State of Minnesota, and they are what make each city and town unique. Running a small business is no easy task, and the entrepreneurs who open these businesses take a personal risk to bring jobs, commerce, and excellent products and services to our communities.

We cannot thank them enough for their valuable contribution, which is why I am proud today to thank and congratulate First National Bank, Serrano Brothers Catering, and Sportech for everything they do for our community and for the great State of Minnesota.