Jack Bergman

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany), my friend and border colleague.

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I am proud and honored to host today's Special Order in light of Veterans Day being just around the corner on November 11. Here in D.C. and back home in Michigan, I stay closely connected with all my fellow veterans, and I can tell you this: From the Afghanistan debacle to lingering backlogs at the VA, it has not been an easy year for veterans and their families. But I want to remind you all, veterans, you are not alone. We are here with you; we are listening; and we are working through the difficult times to get things done. You are going to hear today from many of my colleagues who not only share this feeling but want to remind you that we are working every day on your behalf, not for any political reason but because we strive to thank you and honor you for your service to our Nation. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost), who is my friend, colleague, and fellow marine.

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), my friend.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the Traverse City Elks Lodge. Through their steadfast devotion and service to their community, Lodge No. 323 has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. Since 1896, the Traverse City Elks Lodge has not only worked to provide a supportive environment for their members, but has also continuously assisted others in their community through service and charity. Since their establishment, TCEL has worked to follow and uphold their four cardinal virtues: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. As a result, their organization has helped many Michiganders and families through the multiple charities and scholarships they work with. This notably includes the Elks National Foundation which provides $3.64 million in college scholarships each year. In addition, their work with the Michigan Elks Major Project supports special needs children that do not receive assistance from other agencies or groups. Their help has improved the lives of countless Americans and their families, and their dedication to the well-being of our communities cannot be overstated. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Traverse City Elks Lodge for decades of success and service to Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Joseph Benishek, or as he was better known to those of us in Michigan, Dr. Dan. On Saturday, October 15, after a lifetime of service to the First District and the State of Michigan, Dr. Dan passed away. Through his dedication to his patients and constituents, Dr. Dan changed the lives of countless Michiganders and was an indispensable part of our entire community. From his decades of service as a doctor, to his 6 years fighting for the First District in Congress, he embodied servant leadership and was an ally to all our veterans and all who were blessed to call Michigan's First District home. Dr. Dan's passing is a significant loss to our State. Those of us who call Michigan home have each benefited from his life and service and are grateful for the impacts he made. He did make a difference. He loved the outdoors like no one you would believe, and he loved to tell the stories of how his cabin was completely off the grid and that he ate what he caught or hunted. He was a man truly of the Upper Peninsula. We all send our deepest condolences to his dear wife, Judy, and the entire Benishek family and all of Team Benishek. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the memory of Congressman Dr. Dan Benishek.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Joseph Benishek, who passed away recently after a lifetime of service to the First District and the state of Michigan. Through his dedication to his patients and constituents, Dan changed the lives of countless Michiganders and became an indispensable part of his community. A native Yooper, Dan was born in Iron River, Michigan, on April 20, 1952, and he spent his childhood in the western Upper Peninsula until his graduation from West Iron County High School in 1970. With an inherent drive to serve others, Dan furthered his education at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine. After completing medical school, he returned to the U.P. and went on to positively impact many Veterans' lives during his two decades of service at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. After years of work on behalf of Yooper Veterans, Dan was driven to become an advocate on behalf of all Michiganders when he ran for Congress in 2010. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, he continued his steadfast support of Veterans in his district while also working to pass legislation to protect our state's most valuable landmarks as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources--most notably the nationally-recognized Sleeping Bear Dunes. I have been and continue to be greatly inspired by Dan's selfless work and dedication to our Veterans as well as his fellow Yoopers. He served the First District of Michigan for three terms from 2011 to 2017, leaving a lasting mark in Washington, D.C. Dan's passing is a significant loss to the Upper Peninsula, but Michigan and the United States have benefited immensely from his lifetime of public service. He is missed dearly by his family and friends, and his memory will undoubtedly live on for generations to come. Dan's tireless devotion to the public good touched the lives of so many Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Dr. Daniel Joseph Benishek. I was honored to call Dan a friend, and it is an honor to uphold his legacy in Congress.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response. Through their dedicated service and steadfast devotion to their communities, HOPE AACR has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District and the United States. Since 2001, HOPE AACR has tirelessly worked to provide mental and emotional support to Americans during individual or national crises. Their organization has brought needed assistance to many local community groups including first responders, schools, hospitals, and churches. In addition, they often work directly with mental health professionals and counselors to bring the maximum level of care for those experiencing personal hardship. HOPE AACR has also brought vital support to our nation during numerous tragic events such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the wildfires in California. Their help has improved the lives of countless Americans and their families and their dedication to the well-being of our communities cannot be overstated. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response for decades of success and service to Michigan and the United States. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize AMVETS Post 114 of Elk Rapids, Michigan, for its 75 years of service to Veterans, their families, and their local community. Through their tireless work, Post 114 has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan. As soldiers returned home from the battlefields of World War II, many recognized the need for a nationwide group advocating on behalf of our Veterans--in response, American Veterans (AMVETS) of World War II was founded on December 10, 1944. Shortly after, President Harry Truman and Congress officially chartered AMVETS in 1947. Throughout its 75 years of service, AMVETS Post 114 have worked tirelessly to support and advocate for meaningful policies on behalf of local servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. From scholarships for local students to organizing Military Funeral Honors, the efforts of Post 114 have assisted thousands of Michigan Veterans and ensured the people of Elk Rapids and Northern Michigan honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize AMVETS Post 114 for decades of successful support for the Veterans of Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his leadership on this extremely important issue. I want to expose for my constituents the real truth about the so- called infrastructure portion of the Democrats' destructive $5.5 trillion package. You can read for yourself in the bill that only a fraction of the funds go to roads, bridges, broadband, and other things people outside the swamp would generally consider infrastructure, a true and embarrassingly small drop in the bucket, considering the current state of Michigan's infrastructure. By the way, our roads still haven't been fixed. But more importantly, I am asking you to read between the lines to understand that this package will stretch the long, intrusive arm of the Federal Government into your life, more than ever before. Your energy bill, your taxes, your job, your Nation's borders, your economic freedom. As your Representative, I can't let this happen, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend from Pennsylvania, Dr. Joyce, for holding this Special Order tonight. I find myself increasingly concerned with the future of our country, especially now under the Biden administration, where it has been one self-inflicted crisis after another. How have we addressed these situations? Well, we have seen unprecedented intrusions into our daily lives by the Federal Government; trillions added to our national debt; and the birth of new, completely avoidable threats to our national security. Even this administration's approach to energy unnecessarily threatens the safety and security of all Americans. On day one of his administration, President Biden shut down the Keystone pipeline, costing thousands of jobs, and then turns around to support Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Big question mark. Make no mistake. This is an America last policy. In fact, it could be America never. We need an energy policy that gives America greater energy independence, not one where we are forced to rely on unstable foreign markets. We have the resources and technology at home, right here, to give us that independence, yet Democrat leadership continues to ignore it in favor of the Green New Deal. Don't get me wrong. I support energy policies that promote resiliency and sustainability, but I wholeheartedly disagree with the notion that we need to punish the American energy industry in order to achieve a healthy environment. I urge this administration and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to focus on real investments in American energy, instead of policies that make us more dependent on foreign energy sources while destroying jobs, alienating American industry, and depressing the hardworking people who continue to strive to keep our country--that is our country, the United States of America--the premier example of integrity, innovation, and initiative that leads the world, especially in safe, affordable energy.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Good Hart General Store of Emmet County, Michigan. Through its five decades of service and steadfast devotion to its community, the General Store has become a local landmark and an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. The General Store was first constructed in 1934 by local resident, Cliff Powers. Along with serving as a local Postmaster, Mr. Powers used his store as a grocer and gas station to bring needed supplies to his community. He would continue to operate his local business for almost 40 years until selling it to Carolyn Sutherland in 1971. She has successfully preserved the history and significance of the General Store ever since. While also managing the store, Ms. Sutherland leads Graham Real Estate in Good Hart where she has continuously worked to better the lives of her community and the State of Michigan. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Good Hart General Store for fifty years of success and service to Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens that help preserve our most treasured businesses and landmarks. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in intensely strong opposition to efforts to remove longstanding pro-life protections and potentially even the ban on taxpayer funding for abortions as evidenced by the bill Democrats want us to pass in a few hours. With a single move, this legislation would eliminate 40 years of bipartisan consensus in Washington in State capitals across the country to protect the health of pregnant women and the unborn. In addition to allowing elective late-term abortions and hampering access to proper care at abortion clinics in the case of emergencies, this bill would preempt any State laws that prevent sex-based or disability status-based abortion decisions. Medical professionals could also be forced to conduct abortions, despite moral objections. Our Nation faces a host of crises, most of which are self-inflicted. I implore my colleagues to reject this bill and get back to the people's work.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1281 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Gaylord, Michigan, as the Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic. It is an honor for me to lead this legislation to designate a VA care facility in the hometown of a man who so embodied love and care for others, whether it was for a neighbor down the street, a constituent in his district, or his brothers and sisters in arms on the battlefield. Steve Andrews led a life of service in every sense of the word, starting with the defense of our freedoms overseas. He entered the Navy in 1967 as a hospital corpsman, going on to serve in the Vietnam war-- not only at the U.S. Navy Hospital in Guam, but as a medic in the 1st Marine Division attached to a force reconnaissance company in Vietnam. He is credited with saving the lives of countless marines during combat. Steve earned the Navy Commendation Medal and Purple Heart for his service. I can personally attest that countless marines and new generations of Americans owe their lives to Navy corpsmen. Their service must never be forgotten, which is one of the reasons we are working to memorialize Steve Andrews with this legislation. Steve led a dedicated, full life of public service. From 1979 to 1982, he represented Michigan's 106th District as a State representative fighting for Michiganders' best interests in Lansing. Giving back to the community in which he grew up, Steve coached local youth sports, helped found Petoskey Art in the Park, and sat on the boards of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce and North Central College. I personally met Steve in a rocking chair in January of 2016. He was terminal with cancer at that point. He did not hesitate to reach out to someone he had never met before in his life and share his thoughts on what it meant to be a public servant. I am deeply indebted to his perspective. His legacy is beyond deserving of the designation that we are seeking today. I thank his loving family for all their support; his friends, who initiated this legislation; the Michigan veterans service organizations backing us up; and the entirety of my Michigan delegation colleagues for coming together in a bipartisan manner to cosponsor this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1281.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life of Frederick Dakota, who passed away recently after a lifetime of service to our country and his fellow Michiganders. Through his constant dedication, tenacity, and leadership, Fred became an essential part of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the United States of America. Fred was born in Zeba, Michigan, on September 13, 1937, and was immediately welcomed into the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. After attending L'Anse Area Schools, he went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years and became one of the first M60 machine gunners. Shortly after retiring from the USMC, Fred moved to Baraga, where he began his public service in 1968 as a Councilmember of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. He would go on to serve on the Council for fifty years, being elected Tribal Chairman on numerous occasions. Fred became nationally renowned and respected as a Native American leader, being given the unofficial title of the ``Father of Indian gaming.'' Fred passed away on September 17, 2021, at his home in Baraga, MI. He is missed dearly by his family and friends, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. Fred's tireless devotion to the KBIC community and the public good improved the lives of countless Tribal members. The impact of his service as a truly passionate Native American leader cannot be overstated. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Frederick Dakota. He will be forever remembered for the many lives he bettered through his tireless service.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Robert Major Stafford, who devoted his life to serving our country and his community. Through his tireless work ethic and dedication, Robert has left a lasting effect on those he helped in both the military and his community. Regardless of Robert's multiple life-altering injuries, he has consistently served the public with honor and is an amazing role model for his community. After suffering a partial loss of sight at a young age, Robert was ineligible to be deployed overseas. This did not stand in his way of pursuing a life of service, and Robert went on to be stationed at both Camp Ellis and Camp Grant in the 1940s. During his time there, he worked at the hospital caring for patients, managed a bowling alley, and worked at Caterpillar making belly pans for U.S. Army tanks. Even with his partial loss of sight, he was awarded the marksman badge for his incredible shooting accuracy and received the rank of TEC 5 during his time in the Army. Following his service, he and his wife, Dorothy Wills, moved to the Upper Peninsula and raised eleven children in Iron River, Michigan. Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I ask you to join me in honoring the service of Robert Major Stafford. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing their state is home to such a selfless leader.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Phillip James DeVries II for his three decades of service in the United States Army. Through his exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion, LTC DeVries has helped to strengthen our foreign diplomatic relations and ensure the safety and security of his fellow Americans.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize retired Master Sergeant C. William ``Bill'' Hager as the 2021 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. His continued service on and off the battlefield, his dedication to fellow veterans, and his devotion to our local Michigan communities make him a well-deserving recipient of this distinguished award. The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection committee consisting of past commanders of various service organizations throughout the Upper Peninsula. It recognizes Yooper veterans who go above and beyond in their service to their local communities and fellow veterans. A native Yooper, Bill was born and raised in Iron River and has stayed a longtime resident of the U.P. During his military career, Bill served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. National Guard, where he was decorated with numerous awards which include but are not limited to the Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. His service to his fellow veterans has not waivered as he continues to be a life member of the DAV, American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and AM Vets where he continues to advocate. The impact of his service on his fellow Michiganders cannot be overstated. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Bill Hager for his decades of service to fellow Michigan veterans and for being named the 2021 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless and devoted individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Bill all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, the amendment before us, as it has been presented, is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist, as stated. There is ample research already being conducted featuring the use of schedule I drugs to treat mental illness and addiction. The amendment, as presented, will do nothing to change this, despite the claims to the contrary. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to not support or, said a different way, to oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the passion and the articulate response of my colleague. I have had the honor to serve with him, and we agree on the vulnerability of veterans. In fact, a year-plus ago, we tried to move the IMPROVE Act through the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to try to look at different ways to provide opportunities to bring veterans into the VA healthcare system so we could identify them and treat their addiction. It wasn't necessarily about the research of the product. It was the research of the veteran as a whole, the veteran's vulnerability. Mr. Speaker, it was painful in the committee setting to have the IMPROVE Act disapproved when, at the same time, that same committee authorized equine therapy. As Dr. Phil Roe said at the time, this a first for the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. We have not allowed people to treat veterans, but we are allowing horses to treat veterans. The point is, we are looking to do something here via this amendment that does not solve an existing problem. We need to have the outreach, the research, but we also need to have the human side to make sure that we connect all the dots for the betterment of the veterans' mental health. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment. We all know mental health is a major problem in our country. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 50 million Americans from all walks of life suffer from a mental health issue. One such population extremely close to my heart is veterans. With around 20 veteran and servicemember suicides per day, I consider one death to be too many. The amendment before us, however, is trying to solve a problem that, frankly, just doesn't exist. There is plenty of research already being conducted featuring the use of schedule I drugs to treat mental illness and addiction. The amendment will do nothing to change this, despite its claims to the contrary. What the amendment will actually do is repeal an existing provision that limits the use of funds to promote legalization of schedule I drugs. The amendment also repeals a provision that specifically allows Federal funds to be used to research the therapeutic uses of these substances. The stated purpose of this amendment, which is to support this research on behalf of those who suffer from critical diseases, is contradictory to the actual effect. Therefore, because of the disingenuous nature and intent of this amendment, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran and one who served the country for 40-plus years in uniform, the bond we have as veterans goes deeper than anyone could imagine. The worst thing that can happen, as has happened in my family, is to have a loved one and a veteran take their own life. I have decades, unfortunately, of family experience in this. Because of that, my passion for stating opposition to this amendment goes unabated. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my concerns with the far-left tax hikes proposed by the majority. To help pay for their partisan spending sprees, the President and Democrats in Congress have proposed to double the tax on investment and raise our business tax rate to the highest in the developed world. On top of this, they wish to repeal the stepped-up basis, a move that will disproportionately hurt family-owned farms and businesses. The radical tax agenda will stifle investment and slow down our economic recovery at a time when communities across our country continue to feel the effects of the pandemic and government lockdowns. It will also hurt American competitiveness abroad and force even more businesses and jobs overseas. Increasing taxes on Americans while prices are rising faster than they have in more than a decade isn't just irresponsible; it is dangerous. The Democrat tax plan will hurt workers and small businesses, diminish our position as a global business leader, and set our economy back for decades to come.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my deep disappointment with President Biden's fiscal year 2022 budget request-- more specifically, the President's removal of longstanding pro-life protections such as the Hyde amendment. The Hyde amendment prohibits Federal funds from being used to pay for abortions. Historically, this policy has shared strong bipartisan consensus in the House. I made a promise to my constituents to protect the unborn and to give a voice to those who have no voice. Since coming here to Congress, I have consistently supported pro-life policies. This is a value in the First District of Michigan that is shared across party lines. Yet, this President's budget request forces American taxpayers to fund abortions, a denial of the basic human right to life. I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to not follow in those footsteps and to oppose this proposal. As we work through the Federal appropriations process, it is imperative Congress maintains these basic protections and opposes any other policies that would promote abortions here in the United States and throughout the world. Let us, the United States of America, be an example to the rest of the world that, no matter how much we may disagree, we can come together for the protection of human life both before and after birth.