Jack Bergman

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2288, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, a bill that addresses the Department of Veterans Affairs' broken appeals process. As of April 1, 2017, the number of pending appeals for disability compensation with the VA has reached 470,000. That is more than a 20 percent increase since fiscal year 2015. At current funding levels and using its current operational structure, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that it will take at least 5 years to address the backlog of appeals claims. That is unsatisfactory. We can do better. We must do better. Our veterans deserve better. They have risked their lives to protect the freedoms we hold so dear, and it is up to us to make sure they receive the benefits they have earned and deserve. H.R. 2288 modernizes the appeals process to efficiently and effectively resolve backlogged claims and prevent this kind of backlog from happening in the future. This bipartisan piece of legislation takes a giant leap toward a more efficient Department of Veterans Affairs, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is our job not just to remember but to carry the torch of freedom forward so that the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters have not and will not be in vain. Oliver Wendell Holmes said: ``But grief is not the end of all. . . . Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death--of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring.'' I would strongly encourage all, all of our American citizens, next Monday, May 29, the official observance of this year's Memorial Day, to take your families to a local cemetery, walk around, look at those headstones and those gravestones, explain to your children and your grandchildren, and anyone else who may have questions, the meaning and the significance of the many flags that fly next to those headstones. Those folks, those comrades, sacrificed it all so we can be here today. It is up to us to honor them, to remember them, and to carry on to ensure that the challenges we face as a country will be defended against and protected because of our willingness to sacrifice for the United States of America. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. The topic of today's Special Order is to recognize the importance of Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. I am not going to give a history lesson here tonight, but, rather, a series of personal remembrances that started when I was about 5 or 6 years old in the early 1950s. My father, a World War II veteran, and some of his fellow veterans organized the local VFW in Minnesota where I was born. We would spend Memorial Day in the morning visiting three cemeteries in our local town. At each cemetery, the color guard would post the colors, the rifles would give their report, and taps would play. Everyone who attended-- and when I say everyone who attended, that was really the whole town-- came out in a long train of automobiles to go to these three cemeteries to honor the veterans who were no longer of this Earth. I remember the solemnness of that day. I remember the tears for family members and friends who had passed on, those who had worn the cloth of our Nation both in peace and in war. Those kinds of memories, as I stand here and talk tonight, are very vivid in my mind. Some years later, in the mid-1960s, we were involved in Vietnam, and I was a sophomore in college. Because of the fact that my parents had both stepped up during World War II, I felt--and with their support--it was the right thing to stand up and take the oath that sent me into the Marine Corps to serve our country. When you go into harm's way, you don't know what the outcome is going to be, but you do know that those you serve with are going to give it their all and you are going to remember them and honor them for as long as we walk this Earth. I was very fortunate to have absolutely spectacular commanding officers along the way that taught me what it was like to be a young leader and what it meant to take care of your marines--most notably my commanding officer in Vietnam, who, thankfully, is still with us. He was the kind of individual that made the tough calls because he understood the sacrifices needed and the outcomes that were required. One by one, we all pass. Memorial Day is our opportunity to remember, share stories, share tears, share laughter for those who have now gone on into God's hands. The past and the present set the tone for the future. As David French said: Sacrifice sustains our Nation far beyond the battlefield. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another in times of stress. In times when we are under great duress, that ability to sharpen not each other's bodies but each other's souls carries us on. We remember on Memorial Day those who have made that effort. In the Marine Corps, we believe a lot of things, but three words encompass them all: honor, courage, and commitment. Tonight we honor those who fought for our country, who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the service of our country, and those who have passed on since their service. It is our job to make sure that their sacrifice wasn't in vain. Courage: there is moral courage and there is physical courage. You never know until the time comes whether you have the physical courage, but you do find out. It is the moral courage that we know from the beginning, and it is set by our predecessors that sets our attitude and our mindset in stone that we know that we have that. And when it is tested, we are ready. Commitment: Our commitment is always to the mission and to one another. We never leave anyone behind. Never. No one is more invested in peace than our men and women in uniform. They take the risks. They make the sacrifices, and they bear the cost of the battle in full force. Those rows of white headstones across the bridge in Arlington remind us of their commitment every day, and for that we owe them more than gratitude. We owe them every effort to keep our world at peace. On Memorial Day in 1982, President Reagan said: ``War will not come again, other young men will not have to die, if we will speak honestly of the dangers that confront us and remain strong enough to meet those dangers. ``It's not just strength or courage that we need, but understanding and a measure of wisdom as well.'' We owe it to our men and women who have fought and died for our country to take a stand, to prepare for peace not by ignoring the dangers we face and placating the enemies of freedom but by facing them head on. Madam Speaker, I am honored to yield to my fellow Members who will be presenting and speaking tonight. I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, before I begin, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Michigan's police officers for their selfless service and to honor the fallen. Isaiah 6:8 says: ``Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, `Here I am. Send me.' '' Every time our law enforcement officers put on their uniform, they are saying, ``Send me.'' In cities and small towns all over the United States, law enforcement officers act as our protectors, defenders, and ambassadors of peace. They hold that thin blue line between thriving, healthy communities and chaos. During the past few months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know officers serving the Escanaba, Gaylord, and Traverse City communities in specific, and all across the First District, and I can say without pause that Michiganders are in capable and caring hands. We owe a debt of gratitude, a debt of cooperation, and a debt of consistent support to our law enforcement officers. God rest the souls of the fallen. Keep their friends, families, and fellow officers in your hearts and prayers.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize four, extraordinary students at Hinks Elementary School in Alpena, Michigan, for organizing the school's first ``Coins for Cops, Change Drive.'' The students, Lilly Gembel, Avery Dubey, Cecelia Magdaleno, and Abbey Ruby, designed the program to raise money for the Michigan State Fallen Trooper Fund, which supports the families of troopers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. After hearing stories from her grandfather, retired-Sheriff Deputy Ken Gembel, Lilly Gembel recruited Avery, Cecelia, and Abbey to begin collecting money for the families of fallen troopers. Setting an initial goal of $500, the students and their fellow classmates started asking friends and family for donations, and, after one month, the girls had doubled their goal by raising $1,000. The students scheduled their fundraising efforts to coincide with the Michigan State Police's 100th Anniversary in April. The ``Coins for Cops, Change Drive'' culminated at Hinks Elementary where the students presented a check to Michigan State Police Alpena Post Commander Lt. John Grimshaw and Trooper Ashley Simpson. Our men and women in uniform work each and every day to provide safety and security in the communities where we live and work. Folks in the First District know how important it is to have a dedicated force working in some the most remote areas in Michigan, and for 100 years, the Michigan State Police have acted as role models for young people throughout the state. The students at Hinks Elementary School have displayed tremendous compassion and leadership in honoring our law enforcement professionals, and I am confident they will continue to achieve great things by applying this maturity. Mr. Speaker, I commend Lilly Gembel, Avery Dubey, Cecelia Magdaleno, and Abbey Ruby for their work in gathering support among their classmates to raise $1,000 for the families of Michigan's fallen troopers. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing that Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have such bright students with drive and passion that will allow them to do great things in whatever path they choose to follow. On behalf of my constituents across the First District, I wish to thank Lilly, Avery, Cecelia, Abbey, and their classmates at Hinks Elementary School for their selfless work in organizing the ``Coins for Cops, Change Drive.''

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library as it celebrates 50 years of meaningful work in the Alpena community. Michiganders understand how important it is to have reliable access to library services, and we are so grateful for Alpena County Library's half-century of community service. The establishment of a public library in Alpena dates to 1860 when the up-and-coming community commissioned just $25 a year to maintain a collection in the private home of Diane Morse Richardson. Thirteen years later, the Alpena Public Schools system began housing the library's collection at Alpena High School, where it remained until a temporary location on Second Avenue was acquired. In 1967, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library was officially established as a county library serving the educational, social, and historical interests of the community. Serving a community of just 2,700 people in 1860, the library now accommodates a population nearly 15 times that size by circulating some 120,000 articles and books. In addition to offering an extensive collection of literature and other resources, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library has consistently proven itself to be a leader in the community through targeted initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of all citizens. Programs like READ Tutors, which helps students achieve new reading levels and learn English as a second language, engages our young people in activities that help them reach their potential and prepare them for the next steps in their lives. The library has also started a new early childhood literacy-project called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, which encourages parents to read 200 books a year to their children before the age of five. This program exemplifies the library's tremendous efforts to foster academic achievement within the community, and promotes childhood development in a robust family setting. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library for 50 years of service in the Alpena community. Northern Michigan residents can take great pride in knowing that Alpena is a better place thanks to the work and dedication of the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library. On behalf of my constituents across Michigan's First District, I thank the Alpena Community Library for its work and look forward to its continued success.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor today to acknowledge the life of a devoted public servant and United States Veteran, Steve Andrews, who died at the age of 67 on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Petoskey, Michigan. Steve was born on October 15, 1949, to Tracy and Barbara Andrews and grew up in the heart of Northern Michigan in the city of Gaylord. Following his high school graduation in 1967, Steve joined the United States Navy where he worked as a medic on a number of bases around the world. Steve served with distinction from the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam to the 1st Marine Division and Marine 1st Force Reconnaissance Company in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal for his role in saving countless Marines' lives during the Vietnam War. After coming back home, Steve became a successful entrepreneur, and in 1978, Northern Michigan residents recognized Steve's commitment to community service by electing him to serve as State Representative for the 106th Michigan House District. Steve retired from the Michigan legislature in 1982 after serving two terms and refocused his efforts on his small business and family. During the next 35 years, Steve and his wife, Karen, grew their small business, Sturgeon River Pottery, into a well-established and widely respected Midwest retailer with a robust operation and thousands of supporters across the country. Further, Steve's creative talents and generosity led him to be an active member in his community where, in addition to being a successful small business owner, he coached youth football and baseball teams, served on the Board of Trustees of North Central Michigan College, served as President of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of Petoskey's Art in the Park. Mr. Speaker, Steve's contributions to Northern Michigan cannot be overstated, and his family and community can take pride in knowing that Northern Michigan is a better place thanks to his life's work. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I ask you to join me in recognizing an outstanding public servant whose contributions will continue to bless Northern Michigan residents for many years to come. May God bless Steve and his family always.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1180, the Working Families Flexibility Act, introduced by my friend, the gentlewoman from Alabama (Mrs. Roby). The House will be considering the bill later this week to give private sector employees the same flexibility offered to many local, State, and Federal Government workers that have had it for many years now. The legislation will give employees the option of choosing to receive compensatory time off from their employers instead of overtime wages. It does not change the 40-hour workweek, and it does not weaken employee protections. We are simply giving American workers more choice. The bill does not allow for employees to coerce anyone into choosing one option over another. It would be a voluntary decision made between the employer and the employee. Everyone needs flexibility in their schedule to balance between work and personal time, and we should be giving American workers the option to choose what is most important to them: overtime wages or time off. It should be their decision, not the government's. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 1180, the Working Families Flexibility Act.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of communities across Michigan's First District that depend on Essential Air Service funding for industry, mobility, and economic success. I believe that, when it comes to protecting taxpayer dollars, we as Congress have a fiduciary responsibility to the American people. We owe it to them to evaluate what is working and what isn't and make the appropriate adjustments. The Essential Air Service program is a great example of a program that is working, and I am proud to support it. EAS grants make it possible for 8 of the 10 airports in Michigan's First District to provide reliable air services, promote economic stability and job growth, and support a healthy tourism industry in the Upper Peninsula and throughout northern Michigan. The benefits that this program provides to small towns and cities in Michigan and across the United States are well worth the investment, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure full Essential Air Service funding.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, 35 years ago yesterday, ground was broken on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Today, there are 58,272 names listed on that memorial. We still have work to do. There are 1,615 names listed as MIA. As a Vietnam veteran, I want to call your attention to all of the men and women who served, the 2.7 million who served in Vietnam, a lot of whom are with us today, and a lot of those who will continue to celebrate the losses of our comrades. Please remember that we all served honorably at the request of our government, and we will continue to serve as long as the cause is just.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday, March 27, 2017, when it will convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Gallagher for his leadership on this issue, and the leadership across the board here as a Member of what we--I think most of us smile when we say the freshman class, because when I look across the experience level of all of the freshman Congressmen, no matter Democrat or Republican, what this country is blessed to have today, as Members of this 115th Congress, are people who come here with the sense of mission, a sense of purpose, a sense that we know what we have here in this country. We may have disagreements as to how we are going to get to where we need to go, but we all agree that we need to go there. The question is: How do we do it? One of the ways you create an environment where you have fresh ideas and fresh ways of looking at it is to change the people who are presenting and acting those ideas. I find myself asking many times as we stand on the floor here: What would the Founders say if they were here today with us? How would they look at how we are enacting their vision of what it means to be a constitutionally-based Republic that is ``We the People''? How would they react? I think there are probably a few things that they could not have imagined. Twitter or Snapchat might be one of them--pick your way of communicating across the spectrum that we now have today as our reality. I am not saying those things are bad. They are just the new reality that we have. So how do we take what was given to us as a framework and move it forward? Well, again, my colleagues have all eloquently very well stated that they believe that we need to have a higher turnover in Congress. Term limits is going to be a very good first step in ensuring that we maintain the freshness of ideas. When you look at the challenges that face our country, we know that there are people out there who have chosen not to run, for whatever reason, because of the fact that they view they can make more of a difference outside of Congress. That is too bad, because we need good people. We need them. We need them to be here, to be part of us. One of the brutal realities as--author Jim Collins of ``Good to Great,'' you know, he talks about facing the brutal realities. One of the brutal realities that I believe we have to face is the professional politician. That wasn't written about anywhere 240 years ago. It just occurred over time. It is our responsibility--especially as a freshman class, you can feel the passion that we believe is the right passion to be put behind term limits to begin to make the change necessary. So we are all in this together. In fact, I am proud to be a member of the freshman class, and I am proud of the fact that we signed a commitment to civility a couple of months ago that put us in a position where we are finding our voice. And what you are hearing today from our colleagues is part of that voice says: We need to do some things a little differently. So let's move forward; let's expand the debate; and let's make sure that we are inclusive in everyone who wants to get their opinion heard on this issue; and make sure that those who have questions about what we mean, we articulate it because in so many areas we have got big decisions to make. This is going to be a big one. In the Marines, we accept the mission that is assigned; we plan and train for it, and then we execute it, and we get it right. And that doesn't mean we don't make a few tweaks in the process, but the bottom line is that we accomplish the mission. Mr. Speaker, I would ask all of my colleagues to seriously consider getting behind support for term limits in the United States Congress.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to recognize Mr. Brett French as this year's individual recipient of the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The Lake Superior Community Partnership's Distinguished Service Award is extended to businesses and individuals who support economic development in Marquette County. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees from Central Michigan University, French served as a public policy and environmental consultant before settling in Ishpeming and beginning his career with American Transmission Co. (ATC), a high-voltage electric transmission system company. As the external affairs manager for ATC, French contributes to Marquette County's development by streamlining and enhancing access to affordable electricity for hundreds of communities across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Having been with ATC for 16 years now, French is responsible for developing, coordinating, and managing relationships between ATC and the Michigan-based customers and stakeholders who make ATC's work possible. French participates in numerous community development organizations and remains devoted to improving American infrastructure and the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula. His commitment to economic development is exemplified through his service with Marquette County's Economic Development Corp., Dickinson Economic Development Alliance, and Operation Action U.P., where he works to identify and address regional opportunities that advance economic development in our state's most rural areas. French also understands the importance of learning the skills needed to succeed in today's economy. In conjunction with the Midwest Skills Development Center Advisory Board and NICE Community Schools, he has provided the guidance to equip the next generation of great leaders with the skills they need to succeed. French's commitment to his profession, community, and neighbors has been essential to his success, and I am confident that he will continue to inspire others in the community to take an active role in improving the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Speaker, French's accomplishments in service to the Upper Peninsula cannot be understated, and his family and community can take pride in knowing that Northern Michigan is a better place thanks to his work. On behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Brett French and wish him well as he continues to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act. This important piece of legislation targets vulnerabilities within the VA employment structure that prevent bad actors from being fired or demoted. This commonsense reform gives the Secretary of the VA the flexibility to dismiss or demote employees who are guilty of on-the-job inebriation, drug diversion, and sexual assault, just to name a few. Our veterans deserve quality care. They have earned quality care. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, it is my highest priority in making sure that our Department of Veterans Affairs is working for the men and women who have worn the cloth of our Nation and made the sacrifices that keep us free: our veterans. This bill moves the needle in the right direction, and I commend Chairman Roe for introducing it.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Michigan State Police as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary. We Michiganders are so grateful for Michigan State Police's century of law enforcement excellence, selfless service, and tireless dedication to communities across Michigan. Originally organized as a temporary, wartime emergency force to provide domestic security during World War I, the force was formally reorganized two years later as the Michigan State Police. In April of 1917, a small band of 300 mounted men became the first Michigan State Police troopers, and over the last 100 years, they have become a world- class, professional law enforcement agency with over 2,900 members. In the First District, we are grateful to have ten Michigan State Police posts serving men and women in every community. From Alpena to Iron Mountain and Traverse City to the Soo, each Michigan State Police trooper takes on the sacred oath to serve and protect our families and homes when he or she puts on the uniform. You do more than protect, you inspire and build relationships in our communities through creative partnerships and programs ranging from direct engagement with Community Service Troopers to Teen Safe Driving programs that keep our most precious resource, our children, safe. It's your commitment to integrity, excellence, and courtesy that has led to real results in Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Michigan State Police for 100 years of service. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing that Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are better and safer places thanks to the work and dedication of the Michigan State Police. On behalf of my constituents and residents across the State of Michigan, congratulations, Michigan State Police, on 100 years of exceptional service.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the freshman class's commitment to civility. Before the Revolutionary War, a 16-year-old George Washington copied 110 rules for civil behavior out of his school book. The last of Washington's rules of civility, as they are now called, is this: ``Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.'' Conscience: That should be our guide in everything we do, both here in Congress and back home--for me, in Michigan's First District. Conscience is why, as a Member of the freshman class of the 115th Congress, I have made a commitment to open and civil debate. We are facing many challenges in our country. And the folks here and back in Michigan, all across the land, on both sides of the aisle, have many different ideas about where we need to be and what we need to do to get there. That is democracy at work. Being civil means that the best and most effective ideas have a real chance to be heard. If we truly desire to move forward as a country, we have to do it together. We must treat each other with dignity and respect. We must be civil. This freshman class has dedicated itself across party lines to setting the example for ourselves and for our colleagues here in Congress and for all of our constituents. Mr. Speaker, I will uphold these standards, and I trust that my colleagues will also do the same.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 512, the WINGMAN Act. I am honored to represent the First District of Michigan, which, as a State, has a higher than average percentage of veterans, and the First District has double the percentage of veterans of the rest of the State. To advocate for these fine men and women who have served so honorably, we have the absolute imperative to make sure that they get the help that they need to cut through the bureaucratic red tape at agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have been serving in Congress for just over a month now, and, already, my office has been flooded with requests from veterans seeking aid in navigating the benefits claims process. Unfortunately, the VA is notoriously plagued by a culture of complacency and inefficiency. Even something as simple as checking the status of a veteran's claim means that congressional staff members have to circle back around numerous times with VA employees before being able to provide the veterans in the First District with an accurate update. As a veteran of the Vietnam war, I know that time is valuable to our veterans. We have to introduce more efficiency and transparency into the benefits claims process. H.R. 512 is designed to cut out the middle step. The WINGMAN Act provides congressional offices with read-only access to veterans' records within the Veterans Benefits Administration. This commonsense bill allows our veterans quicker access to simple status inquiries, provides greater transparency for congressional offices, and allows the VA employees more time to work on completing these claims.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. The premise of this bill is clear: American taxpayer dollars will not be used to fund abortion in this country. I stand here today as a husband, father, grandfather, and, most importantly, as someone who cherishes the God-given right to life. In a country founded on life and liberty, the act of abortion should not be condoned, and it certainly should not be subsidized. It is fitting that the House consider this legislation this week as we prepare for millions of people to come to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life rally where they will give a voice to the unborn. We must work together to move the pro-life message and pro-life policies forward to protect those who cannot yet speak for themselves. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and stand up for the principles of life and liberty.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say thank you to the people of Michigan's First Congressional District for giving me the opportunity to represent them in Congress. I would also like to thank my wife, Cindy, and our children and grandchildren for their constant and unwavering support. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be here, and I am so humbled to be doing the people's work in the House of Representatives. I came to Congress not only to restore common sense and fiscal sanity to the Federal Government but, most importantly, to serve the constituents of Michigan's First District and to be their voice in Washington. We have a new opportunity ahead of us to bring industry and prosperity back to the American people, but it is up to us here in Congress to do the work and put in the long hours it will take to get there. My promise today is that I will work tirelessly for my district and do everything I can to make sure we are leaving a better country for our children and grandchildren. Again, thank you to the people of Michigan's First Congressional District for this opportunity.