Mike Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank Mr. Pocan as well and all those that have come to support the bill. Helping more individuals access and complete higher education is a goal we all share. Research shows that students who earn a degree or credential are more likely to succeed in today's global economy. For example, those with an Associate Degree are expected to earn 27 percent more than those with a high school diploma over the course of a lifetime, underscoring the value of higher education. Unfortunately, less than 60 percent of students complete their studies within 6 years often because they can't afford to. Failure to pass the Higher Education Extension Act of 2015 will only make it more difficult for some students to access and complete their education. Students across the country--including in my home State of Michigan-- count on the Perkins Loan Program to help afford a college education. By supporting this responsible bipartisan legislation, we will deliver certainty to students and institutions as we continue to work on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3594. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2617) to amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to postpone a scheduled increase in the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa, as amended.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 2617.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2617. This legislation is simple and straightforward. It would delay for 15 months a minimum wage increase that will take effect in American Samoa in just 2 days. If this increase takes effect, it will harm the very people it was intended to help, the hard-working men and women of American Samoa. The reason we are here today is also quite simple. We are here because the local government in American Samoa is urging us to do this. We are here because the employers in American Samoa, who are few and far between, are urging us to do this. And, most importantly, we are here because the workers in American Samoa are urging us to do this. You don't have to take my word for it. Those are the facts that have been reported by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office. For years, the territory has been plagued by a weak economy, fewer jobs, and higher inflation. The tuna canning industry, an essential part of the American Samoa economy, has been hit especially hard. According to our own independent government watchdog, previous wage increases have forced employers to delay expansion, limit overtime, and cut labor costs, which means that they have ultimately had to lay off workers. Many fear these tough challenges will only get worse if we fail to act now. It should be noted that this isn't the first time we have had to take this step. When our Democratic colleagues were in control a few years back, they passed legislation delaying the arbitrary wage increase they set in motion. That effort passed with strong bipartisan support, and I expect today's legislation will as well. I also want to note that the legislation will help us end a dangerous pattern of uncertainty and last-minute delays. Under the bill, the Government Accountability Office is required to report on alternatives to setting the minimum wage in American Samoa. No doubt there are a number of alternatives Congress could consider. For example, local leaders have proposed bestowing upon them the responsibility for setting wages in their local communities. While this is certainly an interesting idea, it is a debate for another day. Today let's do the right thing by passing this important legislation. In closing, I wish to thank my colleague from American Samoa, Delegate Amata Radewagen, for authoring this legislative proposal and for her tireless leadership on behalf of her constituents. I urge all of my colleagues to stand with the people of American Samoa and support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the gentlewoman from American Samoa (Mrs. Radewagen).

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman an additional 3 minutes.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise my vehement objection to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and to call on my colleagues to do the same. In March, I joined 346 of my bipartisan colleagues in a letter outlining the issues needed to be addressed by Iran in a comprehensive nuclear agreement. The last sentence of that agreement said: Congress must be convinced that the agreement's terms foreclose any pathway to a bomb, and then and only then will Congress be able to consider permanent sanctions relief. Mr. Speaker, I have read this entire agreement, and I am profoundly disappointed to say that it falls remarkably short of foreclosing a pathway to a bomb. To the contrary, this agreement brings Iran to the brink of becoming a nuclear weapons state and 8 short years from now provides them a pathway to acquiring technology to strike Europe and well beyond. To ease the concerns of my noncommittal colleagues, the President has promised a military option remains on the table. I am simply awestricken by the fact that my colleagues on the left have fallen for these assurances. It is the same administration that promised the red line in Syria. It is the same empty rhetoric that has sustained the Syrian civil war, the Libyan civil war, ISIL's control of western Iraq, and, of course, the imperialist Vladimir Putin that has annexed the sovereign territory of the Ukraine. I therefore urge my colleagues to reject this deal and any deal that enables a belligerent state sponsor of terror to have access to hundreds of billions of dollars and nuclear weapons that will allow its atrocities to continue in perpetuity, all the while four Americans, one of them a native of the State of Michigan, my home State, Amir Hekmati, is being held hostage. Mr. Speaker, in no other world, public or private, would this agreement be considered credible.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. I was saying that, in no other world, Mr. Speaker--and to all of you--having served in the public and in the private sector, have I ever seen an agreement where we are negotiating with a party that has no respect for the other party. In this case, the Supreme Leader of the State of Iran as late as yesterday referred to the United States as the Great Satan and called for us to be wiped off the face of the Earth, not just Israel. We are the Great Satan. They are Satan, according to the Ayatollah. We are the Great Satan. I object to entering into an agreement with a country that has no respect.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Vietnam War veteran from Rochester Hills, Michigan, Mr. Edward Henderson. Mr. Henderson spent several years in Thailand and Vietnam during the late 1960's and early 1970's. He served with the U.S. Army Security Agency, and until just recently, his mission remained confidential. As his new Congressman, Mr. Henderson recently contacted my office to request his military records. During the process, the U.S. Army notified us that he was entitled to six awards earned during his time overseas nearly 50 years ago. It's shocking to think veterans, like Edward Henderson, can go so long without recognition for their service. We must right this wrong. Selfless veterans like Edward Henderson don't ``win'' medals. They earn them. They put their lives on the line to protect us and our freedom. And our Vietnam veterans went through hell and back to defend America and our allies. That's why when they return, it's our responsibility to honor and fight for them here at home. Leaving the battlefield does not mean their battles are done. So as a nation, we must do more to support and reach out to our veterans. We have a duty to do whatever we can to serve and honor our American heroes. Not just today, but every day. So thank you--to Ed, his wife Martha, and his family and friends. We owe him more than just medals, but a lifetime of gratitude.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, with our 239th Independence Day around the corner, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing what makes our Nation the greatest country in the world by celebrating Patriot Week later this year. In 2009, while I served in the Michigan Senate, we became the first legislative body to recognize Patriot Week. Since then, five States and countless private organizations have participated in celebrating our Founders and other great Americans who furthered the cause of liberty. Patriot Week pays tribute to influential Americans, from George Washington to Martin Luther King, Jr.; it celebrates our values, from equal protection under the law to limited government; and it remembers our most important events, from the passage of the Constitution in 1787 to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, to many other events that collectively define our country. Mr. Speaker, my resolution recognizes how each of these events has advanced the principles we hold in the highest regard and encourages our schools, our government agencies, States, and private employers to participate as well as take time to remember and learn about these events that are so important to our history. Patriot Week begins by remembering those who died in the attacks of September 11, 2001, and those who sacrificed to save others. It ends on September 17 by celebrating Constitution Day and honoring those who risked everything to establish this Republic, for which we all have the privilege of serving. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting my Patriot Week resolution.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on what Memorial Day means to our country and to honor our men and women of the Armed Forces. Our Nation has always stood strong on its founding principle of freedom, but it has taken wars and generations of brave, selfless individuals to preserve and defend it. For their service, we are eternally grateful. We are especially mindful of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and of the fact that freedom is not free. Their valiant acts in the line of duty have kept our families safe, both at home and abroad, and there are no words for the gratitude we hold in our hearts today and always. As we spend time this weekend with our loved ones on this great American holiday, please keep our active and fallen servicemen and - women in your thoughts and prayers, and we pray for those currently serving that they return home safely. Happy Memorial Day, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and praise The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund and its dedicated service to Michigan veterans and their families. Founded in 2006, The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund was created to support Michigan-based servicemen and women who have served and continue to serve in defense of their nation. The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, an all-volunteer effort, has served the immediate needs of the men and women of the armed forces, by helping injured American vets pay their living expenses, granting assistance to the families of the fallen, and providing other necessities these courageous individuals, and their families, may need. This organization has been a vital resource for the veteran community throughout the state of Michigan. Since its inception nearly a decade ago, The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund has raised over $4M through annual events and corporate and personal donations. An astounding 95 percent of all proceeds end up going directly to Michigan veterans. For these reasons and many others, I am proud to have been a supporter of the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund since its founding. The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund is just one of many wonderful organizations that assist American veterans across our nation. We will continue to count on the tireless and selfless organizations, such as The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, for years to come, to ensure that when our service members return home they are properly and respectfully cared for.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. The Student Success Act gives authority back to our States and expands opportunities so our children can get the best education opportunity possible. That is what they deserve, and that is what I was sent to Washington, D.C., to support. This bill is also critical in ensuring the Federal Government cannot force a failed program like Common Core on the States. When looking at education reform, it is also important to make sure that we continue to protect the rights of our home schoolers and our private schools. That is exactly what this bill does. Mr. Chairman, we must reduce the Federal Government's footprint in our children's classrooms because it is making a mess of the education system. We are long overdue for change, and I believe the Student Success Act will move our Nation in the right direction.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, because our system, education system, is failing. Where I come from, we call trying to do things over and over again and expecting a different outcome insanity. I believe our system is broken to the extent that it is a moral imperative for Congress, at this point, to step up and act. Our students, our parents, our teachers should not have to settle for a failing system. Before Congress, I worked in the private sector, and I also had an opportunity to work in State government, including the opportunity to serve as the majority leader of the Michigan Senate. At that time, I saw firsthand how much more effective we can be at the State level to use State resources and control where they are going than to have the Federal Government come in, step in and use, and expect the State to spend it in a certain way. This system of top-down does not help the States; it puts us in a bad position. As a State legislator, had I the opportunity, I would have come here and supported the cause as well because it is the right thing to do. I do believe it is high time that we defend the 10th Amendment and rein back the Federal Government's role, especially in our children's education. Local teachers and parents know our children better than the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., ever could; and the result is that our system is broken, and that becomes clearer and clearer every day. I just want to mention a couple statistics that I find alarming but instructive. First of all, 35 percent of our fourth graders are reading at a proficient level. Only 26 percent of our high school seniors are proficient in math. Just a couple examples that I mention. Those examples are unacceptable.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, for the past 20 years as a practicing lawyer and businessowner, I have seen firsthand how companies have tried to grow and create more jobs, but they simply can't, due to the strangling grip of ObamaCare's employer mandate. Small businesses tell the story of how their current plan was canceled and how they were forced by ObamaCare into a health plan that covers less with higher copays and higher deductibles, along with astronomical, unsustainable increases in premiums. Simply stated, ObamaCare is crushing small businesses across this great country. Despite the urgency of this crisis, the President has decided to dig himself in and promised to veto any commonsense reform, such as removing this employer mandate. If the White House has decided not to collaborate with Congress to ease the burdens on families and businesses, then the only path we have is full repeal. Along with that, Mr. Speaker, we need to move forward and develop commonsense health care reform that not only respects families and the doctor-patient relationship, but also considers any and all opportunities to lower skyrocketing health care costs. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on H.R. 596.

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan

Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Section 2: ``The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority;--to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls;--to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; . . . ''