Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of LeRoy Edwin Elfmann, who passed away on January 6th of this year.

From humble beginnings on a dairy farm in Maple Lake, Minnesota, LeRoy set out to live a life of service. After graduating from Maple Lake High School in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army. LeRoy served in the Army for more than 20 years, and his service took him all over the world. After serving his country on deployment in Guam, Cambodia, Hungary, and Finland, he was honorably discharged after rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.

However, LeRoy's service to his country did not end after his military career did. After more than 20 years in the armed forces, LeRoy joined the Defense Intelligence Agency. While there, he served as a trusted representative of the United States, advocating for our great nation around the world on intelligence and security concerns.

LeRoy was involved in many high-profile intelligence operations, including the capture of Ana Montes, a spy who infiltrated the Defense Intelligence Agency and spied on behalf of the Cuban government for 17 years. With LeRoy's help, Ms. Montes was arrested in September of 2001 and charged with conspiracy to commit espionage. She eventually pled guilty and was sentenced to a 25-year prison term. In recognition of his more than 36 years of service to the agency, LeRoy was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Director of National Intelligence.

His distinguished career with the Defense Intelligence Agency took him to more than 67 countries. During one of these trips, he met his beloved wife, Mary. They were married in Singapore, where they met, in February 1977.

Between overseas trips, the couple made their home in Arlington, Virginia until their retirement in 2011. During retirement, Mary and LeRoy were heavily involved in their community and stayed active through their membership in a square-dancing club in Monticello, the County Line Squares. Together, they participated in many square-dancing events in Minnesota and attended numerous square-dancing conventions around the United States. LeRoy also held multiple leadership positions in the state-wide organization, Square Dance Minnesota.

When they weren't square dancing or traveling together, Mary and LeRoy enjoyed spending time on the farm, planting and harvesting crops with their nephews. LeRoy also

spent free time organizing and tracing his family's genealogy.

LeRoy dedicated his life to the service of his country and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. He will be dearly missed. We offer our sincerest condolences to Mary and the rest of the Elfmann family, and pray LeRoy's memory will comfort them during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant, Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes. Chief Hughes is retiring this March after more than 32 years of service to the Sartell community.

Chief Hughes began his career as a patrol officer in Kasson, Minnesota, and later served as the interim Chief of Police for the City of Claremont, Minnesota. He began his career in Sartell in 1991, holding key positions in nearly every area of the department. Chief Hughes served as a field training officer, a sergeant, and a lieutenant before being appointed chief in 2004. He also currently serves as the Chair of the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force and Chair of the State of Minnesota Violent Crime Coordinating Council.

After more than 30 years in Sartell, Jim has seen the city grow from a few thousand to nearly 20,000 residents. This increase has resulted in both a shift in the needs of the community and the responsibilities of the department, which Chief Hughes has handled masterfully.

In his resignation letter, Chief Hughes described the importance of connecting with and being engaged in the community. ``My favorite part of being with the Sartell Police Department is that we've remained committed to our community via outreach programs and the interaction we have with residents on a daily basis,'' he said. Clearly, Chief Hughes understood what it meant to not only protect his community but truly serve them.

I thank Chief Hughes for the incredible impact he has had on the Sartell Police Department and the community of Sartell at large. Congratulations, and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Willie O'Ree, who today celebrates the 65th anniversary of his first game in the National Hockey League. On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree became the first Black player in NHL history when he stepped on the ice as a winger for the Boston Bruins.

Willie went on to play more than 24 seasons in the NHL and minor leagues, overcoming bigotry and prejudice from fellow players and fans alike. On and off the ice, Willie became a champion for diversity in the sport. Following his retirement from the game, he became the NHL's Diversity Ambassador. In that role, he established the Hockey is for Everyone initiative to offer disadvantaged and marginalized children the chance to play hockey, create community, and develop important life skills.

In the 117th Congress, we joined Representatives Mike Quigley, Brian Higgins, John Katko, and Ayanna Pressley as co-leads of the Willie O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act. We are proud to say that last year, the bill passed, and Willie was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

I congratulate Willie on this amazing milestone and thank him for everything he has done for the sport.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6218, which would designate the postal facility on Blattner Drive in Avon, Minnesota, as the Warrant Officer Candidate Kort Miller Plantenberg Post Office.

Kort was a true Minnesotan. He was born in St. Cloud, raised in Avon, and he graduated from the University of Minnesota in Duluth. In 2016, Kort enlisted in the National Guard as an aircraft electrician. During his time with the Guard, he served a 9-month deployment in Kuwait, where his unit provided aerial medical evacuation. Later, when he returned home, he was hired as a Federal technician, a UH60 mechanic at St. Cloud's Army Aviation Support Facility.

Kort was only 28 when he lost his life 3 years ago this month in a tragic helicopter accident. Two other guardsmen, James A. Rogers, Jr., and Charles P. Nord, lost their lives in the same accident. I am very pleased that my friend and fellow colleague in the Minnesota delegation (Mrs. Fischbach), has offered legislation that will rename post offices in her district in honor of James and Charles.

Kort will be remembered for his passion for flying and for his love of his family and friends. Naming the Avon Post Office after him will allow the community to honor his service to this country and to the great State of Minnesota.

Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support H.R. 6218 honoring an America patriot who paid the ultimate sacrifice to our Nation.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Schiefelbein, Jr.

Frank passed away earlier this week at the age of 89. Frank, or ``Big Frank,'' as so many of us knew him, is survived by his wife, Frosty. Over the course of their nearly 70-year marriage, they were blessed with 9 children, 32 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren, with number 32 on the way.

Big Frank was a giant in Minnesota agriculture. Following in his father's footsteps as a farmer, Big Frank grew his herd of Angus cattle to the largest in Minnesota and one of the largest in the United States. He was an active member of the Minnesota Cattlemen's Association.

Today, his sons carry on that legacy, with seven of them working on the farm and his son Don serving as president of the National Beef Cattlemen's Association.

After the tragic loss of their third son, Bill, to an 11-year battle with schizophrenia, Big Frank spent thousands of hours helping those in need, advocating for legislation to address the mental health crisis and ensuring better care for those struggling.

Big Frank was known for his big personality. His loss will be felt by all of us who had the privilege to know him. He was a great man who led an incredible life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the story of a fellow Minnesotan, Joe Mottlow.

On Wednesday June 14, 2017, Joe, (aka- JoeJoe Tough as he's become known since his battle began), was admitted to the hospital with an enlarged spleen. Within the next few days Joe, a previously healthy 35- year-old, learned he had a type of leukemia called ALL (b-cell) IGH which carried with it a measly 15 percent two-year survival rate for adults.

While he and his mom sat stunned after the doctor left the room, Joe said, ``great news about Mark and Natalie!'' That morning his cousin and wife announced they were pregnant with their first child. Joe's mom began to cry and Joe just consoled her saying, ``let's just have fun with this.'' That's Joe. Always thinking about those he loves.

This was the beginning of a 5\1/2\ year rolling coaster ride full of laughs, fears, cries and camaraderie--a ride that still continues. Joe, a guy who has never met a stranger, is a different kind of fellow. The most unaverage average Joe you will ever meet--and if you do meet him, know this, he'll never forget YOU. Because not only will you learn his story, he'll learn your story as well.

Originally it was thought a bone marrow transplant was going to be his cure. Thankfully Joe's brother was a 100 percent match and the transplant seemed to do the trick and cure Joe. Unfortunately, this dreaded pest not only came back, but continued to come back 5 more times. Having a nearly incurable type of leukemia for an adult, Joe has willingly been a trailblazer, trying out new treatments and old treatments used in new ways, to help not only try to cure him, but hopefully open up the door to curing many others. Joe has endured a grueling chemo regiment, two different newer immunotherapy treatments, an experimental CAR-T trial that brought him out to Seattle, another bone marrow transplant and yet another CAR-T trial right in our own backyard at the University of MN. Joe was only the 21st person to attempt this particular type of cure. This one worked for over a year, but this summer Joe learned the beast was back and his time was short. He was told that modern medicine could only hope to promise him three to six months. Joe's bucket list is now the priority--a list filled with connections to others.

Early on in this journey, his Aunt Allison took Joe to the clinic and observed that cancer does not discriminate. Looking around the waiting room there were rich and poor, young and old. If it wants you, it gets you. She also watched Joe connecting with those in the waiting room. So many stories have been told about Joe helping other patients get through their cancer nightmares. Get up. Get dressed. Smile. Live.

Joe's smile and inspiration have not gone unnoticed. Joe's doctors let the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society know about this amazing guy their patients kept talking about. How this guy just started talking to them while they sat in the clinic, full of anxiety and sadness, and the next thing they knew they are laughing, talking the uncomfortable conversations of their cancer journey, and finding camaraderie. Joe has started group outings and text chains bringing cancer warriors together to support and love one another. These groups brought diverse unlikely people together and have made all their lives richer for having cancer and learning to dig deep to find friendship and grace in the process.

Accolades have come Joe's way. The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society nominated Joe for ``Man of the Year'' 2020, and recently honored him with their prized ``Lifetime Achievement'' award. One of Joe's clinic buddies wanted to thank the U of M for saving his life, but realized science was only part of his success. This buddy felt JoeJoe Tough gave him the fight and positivity that pushed him over the finish line and is now working with the U to develop a virtual workout motivational program that will soon be available to patients. When completed, it will be named in Joe's honor.

Accolades are wonderful, but it's the love and support Joe has received from his army of JoeJoe Toughens that has humbled and inspired him. Who has over 2000 friends? Friends, not donors, wanting something from you--but ride or die type friends? Joe does. Why? Because he is ``that'' friend we all want and is so hard to find. Joe listens and hears others, and that is what makes Joe an unaverage average Joe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant and a good friend, St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson. Blair will be retiring this November after nearly 10 years of service to the St. Cloud community. He leaves behind a legacy of distinguished service that made our community safer and will not soon be forgotten.

Before becoming Chief of Police in St. Cloud, Blair was a member of the Dakota

County Sheriff's Office, where he started his career as an intern in 1995. He rose within the ranks and left as a Commander in 2011 to serve as Chief Deputy in Carver County.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Blair embraced the St. Cloud community and made meaningful changes during his many years of service. One change we are particularly proud of is the St. Cloud Police Department's Community OutPost or COP House program that Chief Anderson created. The COP House serves as a place for residents of the St. Cloud community and local law enforcement to gather and participate in afterschool programs, receive health services, and build meaningful relationships with one another.

The impact the COP House has had on the St. Cloud community is incredible and one that we've been working to turn into a national model for improving community/police relations. This is just one of the many improvements Blair made during his tenure that will continue to serve the entire St. Cloud community long after his retirement.

There is a reason all marked St. Cloud Police vehicles say ``To serve and protect'' on them, rather than the reverse. Chief Blair Anderson has made service to the St. Cloud community the cornerstone of his department. Under his watch, we all breathed a little easier. He will be greatly missed by the St. Cloud community, but his legacy will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, we come together to honor a friend and colleague who we lost earlier this year, and to welcome a new Member into the House of Representatives, our friend, Mr. Brad Finstad.

Six months have passed since we lost our friend Jim Hagedorn to cancer, and his absence continues to be felt in this Chamber and throughout southern Minnesota. Our thoughts remain with his family, as we all know how significant a loss it has been for them and for all of us.

Earlier this week, however, the residents of Minnesota's First Congressional District elected Brad Finstad to carry out Congressman Hagedorn's legacy of relentless representation in the House of Representatives. They could not have made a better choice.

As a fourth generation Minnesotan, Brad truly represents the best values of our State. Honesty, integrity, and the willingness to answer the call to serve. Born and raised on his family farm in New Ulm, Minnesota, Brad grew up understanding the importance of a hard day's work, a trade he still appreciates and carries with him every single day.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, his work on the family farm led Brad to join the Minnesota Farm Bureau and eventually to serve three terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

In 2017, Brad was appointed by President Trump as the Director of Rural Development of USDA in the State of Minnesota. While there, he worked to improve the lives of farmers throughout our home State. That earned him the respect and admiration of his community in southern Minnesota.

Even through his successful election to the House of Representatives, Brad, his wife, Jaclyn, and their seven children, continued to operate the family farm in New Ulm. He and his wife met on a school bus in the second grade, and as a husband and father of seven, Brad and Jackie have raised their children on the values of faith, family, and hard work.

On behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation, please join us in welcoming Representative Brad Finstad, his wife, Jaclyn, and their seven wonderful children to the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad), our new Representative.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, soon to be chair, for yielding.

I rise in support of H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act.

After years of lockdowns and social isolation, the mental health of our Nation's citizens, and especially our youth, is at an all-time low. But H.R. 7666 begins to return us to a better path, so I thank the chairman and ranking member for all their hard work to make this a reality.

I am especially pleased that portions of two bills that I had the pleasure of working on with my colleague from Maryland were included in this legislation. One such provision would amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy to allow incarcerated juveniles who have been detained pending trial to continue to receive Medicaid coverage. Pretrial detainees are, by definition, presumed innocent. As a matter of due process, we should not be denying critical health benefits to anyone who has not been convicted of a crime.

From a practical standpoint, reforms to the Medicaid Inmates Exclusion Policy will help our local law enforcement better manage the shockingly high percentage of inmates who suffer from mental illness.

H.R. 7666 also includes language to create a behavioral health coordinating office, another issue that I have had the pleasure of working on. Many Federal programs to address the mental health crisis currently lack clear, unified direction and coordination, which is a recipe for redundancy and waste.

The reforms in today's bill will bring all the major agencies into the room, including the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Director of National Drug Control Policy to develop a unified approach to addressing topics ranging from substance abuse care to delivery of better telehealth.

There is always more work to be done to improve the mental health of our Nation, but H.R. 7666 is an important step, and one we need now more than ever.

Madam Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Gibbs for his 18 years of service to Comcast, over 40 years in the cable industry, and decades of dedication to his community and the state of Minnesota. Mr. Gibbs announced his retirement from Comcast, and although he will be greatly missed, his hard work and contributions have made a positive impact on the industry and community, ensuring he will not be forgotten.

Mr. Gibbs joined Comcast in March 2003 with more than 20 years of legal and telecommunications experience. During his tenure, he built and led an industry-leading state government affairs team that has achieved a strong record of successes across the country. Prior to 2003, he was a partner at the Minneapolis law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP, and practiced in the areas of communications and regulatory law. While at the firm, he provided counsel to the franchise transfer activities associated with Comcast's acquisition of AT&T Broadband and other major industry transactions, including the mergers of AT&T and MediaOne, AT&T and TCI, and AOL and Time Warner. Before joining the Robins firm, Mr. Gibbs served as Vice President of Corporate & Legal Affairs for Continental Cablevision in Los Angeles from 1986 to 1995.

Long involved in community affairs, Mr. Gibbs was elected to the Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners in November 2010. This park system is in the west suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and manages almost 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails, and special-use facilities. Prior to this, Mr. Gibbs served for 10 years on the Hennepin County Library Board where he served as president for three of those years. He is the former chair of the Hennepin County Policy Advisory Committee, a former member of the. Bloomington, Minnesota Charter Commission, former member and chair of the Bloomington Cable Commission, and has served on a variety of non- profit boards.

Currently, in addition to representing District 5 on the Three Rivers Park Board, Mr. Gibbs serves on the boards of Artistry Theater and Visual Arts in Bloomington and the Minnesota River Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

I congratulate Mr. Gibbs on his successful 18-year career with Comcast and over 40 years of leadership in an industry that has invested heavily in America and through broadband improved the lives of the citizens of this country. I commend Mr. Gibbs on his decades of service to the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, and the City of Bloomington. I know the whole House joins me in wishing him the best in retirement and as he continues to serve his community as a valued and experienced leader.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an American institution in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, Federal Ammunition, on their centennial anniversary.

On this day in 1922, Charles Horn purchased the Federal Cartridge and Machine Company in Anoka, Minnesota. Since then, they have been manufacturing ammunition which has helped American troops fight for freedom in every major global conflict since World War II, and law enforcement officers protect our communities. Just recently this year, Federal sent one million rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian people to support their fight for freedom.

Currently, Federal employs more than 1,500 people in Anoka. Since the company's founding however, Federal has employed thousands of Minnesotans and Americans across the country, producing billions of rounds of ammunition.

I want to congratulate the entire Federal Ammunition team, past and present, on their 100-year anniversary and thank them for their commitment to Minnesotan and American ideals.

Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on H.R. 5657 (Roll Call 108) and H.R. 1916 (Roll Call 109) on April 4, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on both measures.

Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on S. 2126 (Roll Call No. 97) on March 30, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a crisis eroding the budgets of hard-working Americans.

Earlier this month, the price of unleaded gasoline rose to the highest level on record, and President Biden's anti-energy policies are directly responsible.

On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised to end fossil fuels. Since assuming office, President Biden has worked to make good on that promise, imposing 81 individual anti-energy policies.

Coincidentally, the price of gasoline has risen 81 percent since the beginning of his presidency.

Analysts estimate that President Biden's anti-energy agenda will cost American families an additional $2,000 per year in gasoline costs alone. This is staggering for the 64 percent of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck, thanks to rising costs.

President Biden claims he can't do much right now to reduce gas prices. This simply is not true. President Biden can end the Federal freeze on new oil and gas projects, fast track LNG export permits, expedite approval of all pipeline and energy development, and stop the regulatory barrage on U.S. energy development.

There is so much that can and should be done right now, and this crusade against American energy dominance must end.

Recognizing the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievement of the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Joel Brott, his deputies, and the Sherburne County Jail and clinic staff have earned the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation from the National Sheriffs' Association.

As one of only 50 sheriffs' offices in the country to earn the Triple Crown accreditation, this is a major achievement.

In fact, this accreditation is so rare that, according to the National Sheriffs' Association, fewer than 100 sheriffs' offices have qualified since its establishment in 1993.

The Triple Crown requires simultaneous accreditation by four law enforcement organizations. Achieving one of them is a feat, but gaining all four at once is truly remarkable.

Congratulations, Sheriff Brott. We applaud you and your entire staff for your exceptional work and commitment to excellence in law enforcement.

Owen Lipinski Hockey Tournament

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young hockey player in my district who embodies the spirit of our great sport.

For Minnesotans, hockey is a way of life. Like many young people in our State, Owen Lipinski grew up with a love for the game.

Sadly, when Owen was just 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that makes it difficult for him to play.

One rough hit could cause Owen to lose his eyesight or possibly even threaten his life.

However, this didn't stop him from playing. Owen participated in Minnesota Special Hockey and enjoyed it, but he still wanted more.

Recently, Owen organized a tournament with six teams composed of friends from his neighborhood. He organized the entire event on a pond in his back yard, complete with a public address system and a small concession stand.

As a fellow Minnesotan who loves the game, Owen is an inspiration. I am inspired by Owen and his great work. Congratulations on the tournament, Owen, and I hope you continue to inspire us for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of one of my constituents, Ms. Rebecca Booker.

Rebecca has served the Blaine community as a certified fire and life safety educator for the last 20 years. Recently, Rebecca was honored with the 2022 Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education by the Congressional Fire Services Institute and the International Fire Service Training Association.

Among her many contributions to fire safety education, Rebecca helped develop the nationally recognized Home Safety Survey, a voluntary home inspection program that looks for potential fire, injury, and crime hazards while offering solutions. Rebecca has completed nearly 4,000 of these surveys herself and trained many colleagues across the country to perform these surveys in their communities.

Ms. Booker also helped establish New America Academy in Minnesota, an organization that provides fire safety education for culturally diverse and immigrant communities.

Rebecca, congratulations on earning this prestigious award and thank you for all you do to increase fire safety education in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District.

Recognizing Abby Honold

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abby Honold, one of the strongest Minnesotans I have ever met and a leader in the fight against sexual assault.

Sexual assault is a life-shattering event, the trauma of which lasts a lifetime but can be compounded in the immediate aftermath by improper care. When Abby, then a student at the University of Minnesota, reported her assault to police in 2014, she worked with a healthcare professional proficient in trauma-informed care to recall important details about her assault to law enforcement and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Survivors like Abby deserve justice, and I was pleased to see that the Abby Honold Act got signed into law earlier this month.