John Dingell

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Yankee Air Museum, a marvelous museum located in the 15th Congressional District, in celebration of its reopening. Originally created in 1981 for the purpose of preserving Willow Run's aviation history, Yankee Air Museum has acquired and restored an original U.S. Army Air Force hangar, as well as a B-24 Privateer. Over the years the Yankee Air Museum has come to serve as a reminder of our country's manufacturing might. Since obtaining the B-24 in 1987, the Yankee Air Museum has acquired five planes from the World War II era that have since been restored to flying status, including a Douglas C-47, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, and two Taylorcraft L-2 Liaisons. The museum has also collected various retired aircraft, including a B-52 Stratofortress, in addition to various artifacts, including photographs, books and uniforms that preserve and display the aviation history of the State of Michigan. Sadly, on October 9, 2004, the Yankee Air Museum suffered a fire that destroyed much of the history that the museum had sought to preserve. Historic artifacts, photos, books, as well as retired aircraft, were lost in the blaze. After 6 years of hard work by the Yankee Air Museum members, the museum is set to reopen on October 9, 2010, with three of their operational aircraft--the B-17, C-47 and B-25--in working condition. The reopening of the Museum will be followed by an Inaugural Gala and a public grand opening celebration. I am proud of the Yankee Air Museum's many contributions to Michigan's 15th Congressional District and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Museum on its inspirational reopening Celebration.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, of which I am also a co-sponsor. For too long, the United States has stood idly by while its trading partners--China, in particular--have manipulated the value of their currencies to gain a competitive advantage. H.R. 2378 will strengthen our country's ability to impose punitive tariffs on currency manipulators and, in so doing, help protect American workers and businesses from this most unfair trade practice. I wish to thank Congressman Ryan of Ohio for introducing this fine bill. I also commend my good friend and colleague from Michigan, Chairman Sander Levin of the Committee on Ways and Means, for understanding the dire need for this legislation and amending it in such a manner that conforms to the United States' obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization. I hope China will take note of this and adjust its behavior accordingly. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2378 and further call on the United States Senate to pass this bill with all due haste.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Milan and to commemorate its 125th anniversary, as it gathers to honor this occasion on Sunday, September 26, 2010. In 1885, only 48 years after Michigan became a state, the Village of Milan was chartered by the Michigan State Legislature. Soon after, the first elections were held and the Village of Milan had its first governing Board of Trustees. Milan was a village for over 80 years until November 6, 1967, when voters overwhelmingly approved the charter that established the City of Milan. The City of Milan brings a rich history to the 15th Congressional District and it offers a unique blend of rural farms and modern industrialization. Milan is located partially in Washtenaw County and partially in Monroe County, surrounded by corn and soybean farms. In 1937, Henry Ford finished his creation of Ford Lake and officially opened a new power house which operated using coal and hydro power. The power house is now the current Milan City Hall, and Ford Lake was officially acquired by Milan in 1949. Even the wonderful park where the 125th anniversary celebration took place was used by Henry Ford to run a coil manufacturing plant and a paint creation facility for the Model T. I am proud of the City of Milan's many contributions to Michigan's 15th Congressional District and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the city on its 125 wonderful years of service to its citizens and the State of Michigan.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the March of Dimes Michigan Chapter for their dedicated and tireless service to families across our state. Since its founding in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the March of Dimes has been devoted to improving the health and wellness of infants and children across the country. Last year, in my home State of Michigan, the March of Dimes awarded over $1.1 million to local researchers to support research to save babies; awarded more than $255,000 in chapter community grants to local programs that support innovative ways to promote and protect maternal and child health; advocated for funding to maintain the Michigan Birth Defects Registry; worked to expand Michigan's newborn screening panel to include over 40 disorders; among many other achievements. Volunteers like Michael and Suzy Fezzey, the recipients of this year's ``John Dingell Hero for Babies Award,'' are the reason why the Michigan Chapter of March of Dimes is so successful. Both Michael and Suzy have gone above and beyond to improve the health and well-being of all children. Together they have worked with Sweet Dreamzzz, to provide sleep education and bedtime needs for at- risk school children, as well as working with Yatooma's Foundation for the Kids to help children and families who have lost one or both of their parents. Suzy also serves as a board member for The Arc of Oakland County, which works with children and adults with intellectual and development disabilities, while Mike has served as the Michigan State Chapter and Metro Detroit Board Chairs for March of Dimes. Michael and Suzy serve as role models to those around them, giving of themselves to improve the lives of children and families in their community. Together I have worked with the March of Dimes to pass the Affordable Care Act, to establish and expand the Children's Health Insurance Program, and to advocate furiously for increased funding for research at the National Institutes of Health that will prevent birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality. These are just a few reasons why I am proud to be an active member of my local March of Dimes chapter in Michigan, and why I am proud to call them my friends. The staff and volunteers at the Michigan Chapter are loyal advocates to improving this world for the next generation, and for more than four decades, we have worked hand-in-hand to fight for America's children, to ensure that every baby born in this country has a fighting chance. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the March of Dimes Michigan Chapter for their support for lifesaving research and quality family support programs that help ensure Michigan's families can bring their children into this world healthy and happy. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010. I want to commend the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts for his leadership on this legislation. This legislation should have come before us much sooner but my Republican colleagues across the Capitol decided to do what was politically advantageous for them rather than do what was right for the American people. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to pass this bill today and support the needs of our small businesses, create jobs, and continue our economic recovery. The legislation will provide small business with access to capital, spur investment, and promote entrepreneurship through a number of tax cuts to small business, a new lending initiative with community banks, and enhancements to existing programs that arm states with the tools to assist small businesses with their distinct needs, among other things. Throughout the two-year recession, we saw banks stop providing credit, and small businesses shedding jobs and closing their doors. Though our economy would undoubtedly be in far worse shape had we not passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, banks are still being overly cautious about lending as our economy recovers. Thus, today we will pass a comprehensive small business job creation measure to allow small businesses to lead this recovery as they have aptly done in the past. Indeed, the Small Business Lending Fund Act has many provisions to promote job creation for everyday Americans and grow the economy. For example, to provide access to capital, the bill includes a $30 billion lending fund for small and medium size banks to leverage $300 billion in lending, a $1.5 billion state small business credit initiative to assist state capital access programs--a provision I helped write with my colleagues from Michigan, Congressman Gary Peters and Congressman Sander Levin, and a small business tax break that allows 100 percent of the capital gains from certain small business stock to be excluded from taxation. To encourage investment, the bill includes a tax break for small businesses to allow them to write off half of the cost of new equipment placed in service in 2010. And to promote entrepreneurship, the legislation doubles to $10,000 the tax deduction for start-up expenditures for entrepreneurs looking to launch a new venture. I am also particularly pleased that the bill will increase the maximum amount--from $2 million to $5 million--the Small Business Administration will guarantee for floorplan financing loans to auto dealers, which will help these economic pillars of our communities recover and put Americans back to work. Madam Speaker, Main Street Americans have had to wait for too long for this important bill. I am pleased to support it and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2039, the Congressional Made in American Promise Act. I commend Representative Marcy Kaptur for her leadership on this issue and working to get the bill passed. Today, we are considering legislation that will help improve the Buy American Act, which requires the United States government to purchase goods produced and manufactured in the United States, when it is in the best interest of the United States to do so. Specifically, H.R. 2039 would amend the Buy American Act so that ``Buy American'' statutory requirements are applied to articles, materials and supplies used by Congressional offices. Further, the Made in America Promise Act requires that any article containing the Congressional seal be purchased from American vendors, without exception. Mr. Speaker, this Act is an important part of the Democratic plan to assist Main Street Americans--hard-working, talented, dedicated workers. Citizens of Michigan's 15th Congressional District, unfortunately, have long been victims of outsourcing and unfair trade agreements, even before the Great Recession began. They have seen their jobs shipped overseas in large part because of corporate tax breaks encouraging outsourcing and trade policies that lower labor standards and do nothing to open up new markets for U.S. goods. This legislation is part of an ongoing effort to save and create American jobs and continue our country on the path to economic recovery. What we have here is a choice between protecting the wealth of some versus creating opportunity for all. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for opportunity. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2039.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5366, the Overseas Contracting Reform Act, which provides an important and necessary recourse for our government when contractors violate federal law. Specifically, the legislation requires the automatic proposal for debarment of any contractor found to be in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FCPA, which prohibits American companies and individuals from unlawfully influencing foreign officials. I commend the sponsor of this legislation, Representative Peter Welch of Vermont, for his work on this matter. Since the brutal shooting incident at Baghdad's Nisour Square in which guards employed by the private security contractor Blackwater Worldwide, now Xe Services, allegedly shot and killed 17 innocent and unarmed Iraqi civilians, I have worked to bring such contractors within the purview of U.S. law and to hold them accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, even after the Blackwater shooting gained considerable public attention, reports indicated that not only did contractors remain a significant part of the U.S. presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they also continued to serve in inappropriate roles such as conducting interrogations of suspected terrorists. All the while, the laws which govern them remain vague. As many of my colleagues and I have noted for several years, there is an egregious lack of both accountability and transparency for such firms and their employees. Although the Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR, enables government officials to initiate suspension and debarment proceedings where the contractor has committed an offense ``that seriously and directly affects the present responsibility of a government contractor or subcontractor,'' among other things, no official used this authority to initiate such proceedings with Blackwater. Moreover, as a recent Senate Armed Services Committee investigation underscores, Blackwater was able to secure new contracts by creating several dozen subsidiaries for the sole purpose of concealing its parent companies' identity. Contracting officers claim they weren't even aware that they were awarding contracts to a company under Blackwater's control. It is clear that the existence of authority to debar under the FAR is, in itself, insufficient to trigger debarment proceedings, perhaps because agency officials are unwilling to initiate debarment proceedings even when just cause is shown. That is why H.R. 5366 is an important piece of legislation. It will provide that companies automatically be proposed for debarment if they are found to be in violation of the FCPA. The Department of Justice is investigating whether Blackwater employees bribed Iraqi officials to allow them to continue doing business in Iraq, an obvious violation of the FCPA. Under H.R. 5366, if Blackwater is found guilty, the firm will automatically be proposed for debarment. Mr. Speaker, all loopholes for private security contractors working overseas should have been closed long ago. Contractors and their employees must be held accountable for their actions overseas, especially during war time. This is not just important for the America's reputation for upholding justice and the rule of law, but for the safety and security of our troops and civilians serving overseas. Failing to do so undermines American national security interests. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 5366.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1375, a resolution celebrating the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment and honoring the contributions and achievements of women in U.S. politics and reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives on its efforts to pursue policies that achieve true political and social equality for women. As a strong supporter of equal rights, I am pleased to support this resolution commemorating the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which extends suffrage to women. The ratification came 144 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence thanks to support from President Woodrow Wilson, the 66th Congress, and most importantly women's rights pioneers, who fought for women's suffrage for many decades. As a husband, father of two daughters, and grandfather to granddaughters, I am pleased to live in a country that values the founding principle of equality. The passage of this resolution can also serve as a reminder that discrimination and inequality still exist and that we can always strive for a more perfect union. I urge the passage of H. Res. 1375.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this much needed legislation. The Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will provide necessary, temporary relief for the States at a time when officials must make tough budget decisions. Governors across the country face declining revenues at the same time the economic downturn has left more of their citizens looking for help. My colleagues across the aisle will use their best political spin to characterize this legislation as fiscally unsound. They have stated that this is just another bailout for special interest groups. My friends, this couldn't be further from the truth. I don't know when our school children became a special interest group. The reality is many Republicans would rather avoid making tough decisions, cross their fingers and hope just saying ``no'' helps their election prospects in November. I am proud that my colleagues and I prefer to provide real leadership and make the tough, necessary choices to put this country back on a sound fiscal track and address the pressing needs of our people. So, while my Republican colleagues spin, let me state the facts. This bill will: Help to save or create 319,000 jobs, of which 161,000 are teacher jobs and 158,000 are for police officers and firefighters as a result of the Medicaid fund increase; Provide an estimated $600 million to my home state of Michigan, saving the jobs of 4,700 teachers in Michigan, and 242 teachers in the 15th District; Provide $16 billion for State Medicaid programs. This means an estimated $380 million in additional Medicaid funding to Michigan to avert drastic cuts in their Medicaid program; and Further protect jobs here at home, by closing tax loopholes that encourage corporations to ship jobs overseas. The bill before us is fiscally sound; it is totally paid for and decreases the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years. These facts cannot be disputed. The threat of teacher and public service layoffs, and medical benefit cuts are not partisan issues. Our dire economic situation facing the States and our people affect both Democrats and Republicans alike. Again Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues, including my Republican colleagues--many of whom have decided to gamble with the lives of our children and paychecks of public servants by playing politics with this bill--to support this common sense legislation.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Richard Burney, who will be retiring from the University of Michigan after 25 years of distinguished teaching. Dr. Burney has provided exemplary service to the citizens of the State of Michigan through his tireless dedication both to treating acutely injured patients and to training physicians in trauma care through the direction of Advanced Trauma Life Support, ATLS, education at the University of Michigan. Dr. Burney's service to the citizens of the State of Michigan in the development of emergency and trauma care has spanned the past three decades. Since May 1982, Richard has provided ATLS in the State of Michigan and has directed over 133 ATLS courses instructing thousands of Michigan physicians in the principles and practice of caring for the acutely injured patient. Richard's efforts earned him recognition from the American College of Surgeons, ACS, as State and Regional ATLS faculty in 1988. As a member and subsequent chairman of the Michigan ACS Committee on Trauma between 1988 and 1994, Dr. Burney provided leadership in shaping improved quality and access to care initiatives for acutely injured patients in the State of Michigan. During his tenure on the National ACS Committee on Trauma between 1994 and 2004, Dr. Burney participated in the development of the National Trauma Data Bank, which created the largest repository of data on the injured patient and enabled objective comparative research in Trauma. Dr. Burney has authored 95 articles and book chapters regarding the care of the injured patient and has served on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Trauma and The Annals of Emergency Medicine for 14 years each. Between 1985 and 2009, Dr. Burney served as chief of the Division of Emergency Services, medical director of the Survival Flight team, and executive committee of the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan. With accidental injury remaining the cause of the largest number of years of productive life lost in the United States, Dr. Burney's remarkable contribution to the expert treatment of acutely injured patients has saved countless lives. As a preeminent physician and professor, Dr. Burney has shared his knowledge selflessly and has worked to advance a crucial medical field. Please join me in celebrating Dr. Burney's achievements and in recognizing his legacy of excellence, which will continue to touch patients and students of medicine alike for years to come.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. I would urge my colleagues on the other side to join us. Let us move forward towards jobs; let us move forward towards economic development and activity; let us move forward towards cooperation on important matters, like seeing to it that the economy gets moving and Americans are going back to work. Let's not sit around here whining and complaining about situations about which we have nobody at this particular minute at this particular time to address it. But we are addressing three pieces of legislation that are going to make economic prosperity a greater reality and a more real object of our attentions. I urge my Republican colleagues to cease this nitpicking on the floor and this nattering, which I'm hearing coming from the other side, and work with us to put Americans back to work. And let us understand that the people have spoken in the last election, and they spoke for jobs and change. We are trying to give it to them, and we invite our Republican colleagues to give us a little bit of that cooperation that will enable us to move more easily forward. I thank my colleagues.

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5156, the Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act. I commend my good friend from Illinois for the outstanding work he did in leading the subcommittee and moving this and the other legislation forward today, and I also commend my colleagues, Ms. Matsui and Ms. Eshoo, as well as Mr. Rush, for their original cosponsorship, of which I am also proud to be one. This bill will build up domestic manufacturing by promoting exports and clean energy technologies and will help the United States develop an early competitive advantage in this area. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, especially my good Republican friends, to join us in moving this legislation forward. Now, we hear some objections to the bill's costs. It's time they be reminded that this is not an appropriation but an authorization. Moreover, should the funds be appropriated, H.R. 5156 will more than pay for itself through the growth in tax receipts from increased corporate revenue. The Department of Commerce estimates that every dollar invested in export promotion generates $56 worth of exports. I urge my colleagues again to join me in moving this forward. Thus in a corporate tax rate of 35 percent, additional revenues of only $40 million a year would have to be generated to cover the bill's annual $15 million authorization. This is more than double that which is based on the Department of Commerce's export promotion cost benefit analysis. Mr. Speaker, if my Republican and Democratic colleagues are truly concerned about promoting job growth and improving the economy, they should vote in favor of this eminently sensible bill. I've been a little distressed to hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle making a fuss about the fact that they don't like things like cap-and-trade and other matters. That bill is not before us, and most of the other questions are not before us. I would remind my colleagues here that we are discussing increasing job opportunities at home by exporting things which are valuable and which help the world and which help the United States. I would remind my colleagues that they are better served to light a little candle rather than to sit there quietly and to curse the darkness. When this administration came in, I would remind my colleagues that the previous administration had left us two wars, a depression, and a deficit of $1.3 trillion. We are still trying to dig out of the mess which was left us by our Republican colleagues, and I would urge them to cooperate with us and to focus on the important things about creating jobs and getting opportunity and economic activity going forward. To continue the kind of self-defeating program that my Republicans seem to be sponsoring on the other side of the aisle----

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5827, the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010. This legislation will ensure that individuals' Second Amendment rights are secure when they enter into bankruptcy. In these challenging economic times, I have heard from families in Michigan's 15th Congressional District concerned they will lose their ability to protect themselves and their families should they enter into bankruptcy. As the Supreme Court recently ruled in Heller vs. the District of Columbia and confirmed in McDonald vs. Chicago, the Second Amendment affords individuals across the nation the right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self defense. Hardworking Americans who have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn should not fear that they will be stripped of those rights because they are trying to turn their lives around through bankruptcy proceedings. Most States, including Michigan, do not protect gun owners in bankruptcy because firearms are not listed among the ``household goods'' exempt from the claims of creditors. In 2005, amendments to the bankruptcy code made it even more unlikely firearms would be considered a ``household good.'' However, H.R. 5827 changes that. Specifically, it permits firearms--rifles, pistols and shotguns, up to an aggregate value of $3,000--held primarily for the personal, family or household use of the debtor to be exempt from the claims of creditors under federal exemption law. Enacting H.R. 5827 will allow the citizens of Michigan and across the United States the ease of knowing they can protect themselves and their families in good times and bad. This is an important bill and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for it.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to draw my colleagues' attention to recent positive developments in the domestic automobile industry. Two-and-a-half years ago, at the onset of the current recession, such good news would have seemed improbable, yet thanks to constructive engagement by the best workers in the world, reinvigorated management, attractive product design, and, in the case of Chrysler and General Motors, timely and thoughtful intervention by the federal government, the United States' automakers are back on track to become industry leaders. Such leadership is already manifest in three measurable areas. First, after consistent losses for the past 5 years and record low levers of U.S. aggregate demand for the sale of light vehicles, Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors have all reported positive operating earnings and cash flow for the first quarter of 2010. Second, according to the 2009 Harbour Report, all three major U.S. automakers now match or exceed Toyota North America's labor productivity levels in major manufacturing operations in North America. Third and finally, according to the most recent JD Power Initial Quality Survey, the Ford Motor Company is now the highest quality mass production automaker based on consumer rankings, beating out Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Indeed, these accomplishments merit praise and confirm the wisdom of the Federal Government's role in nursing the domestic auto industry, whether through loans or tax credits, back to health. This in mind, however, we in Congress and the Administration must continue working together to protect the nascent recovery of Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors and the millions of American jobs they support. We must direct Federal support toward the manufacturing sector to rebuild our dwindling supply base. Further, we must enact initiatives to improve the flow of private credit to consumers, suppliers, and automakers alike, so that they can grow and put more Americans back to work. We must also stridently oppose lop-sided trade agreements and unfair foreign trade practices that put our domestic industries at a competitive disadvantage. Finally, we must ensure our automakers and suppliers have the requisite support to meet future technical challenges, for which foreign companies will surely receive state- financed aid. I urge my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the domestic automobile industry for its most recent achievements, wish it continued success, and help it compete in the future by creating a level playing field with our trade partners.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4692, the National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010, of which I am an original co-sponsor. I wish to commend my friend, Congressman Lipinski of Illinois for his fine work in authoring this important piece of legislation. In light of the pressing need to create and maintain good-paying jobs in this country, it is imperative we pass H.R. 4692. This bill will mandate that the President develop a national manufacturing strategy and update it every four years. It is crucial that the federal government support domestic manufacturing, which has been a traditional driver of middle-class growth. I am particularly glad that H.R. 4692 includes a requirement that the President consult with organized labor in appointing members to the advisory group that will help him draft the strategy. Further, I view this legislation as part and parcel to the federal government's ongoing efforts to create much-needed jobs and adapt the country's economy to the future. I am quite gratified to see that H.R. 4692 rightly directs that the manufacturing strategy it mandates include an examination of the detrimental effect of unfair trade practices on domestic manufacturing. I firmly believe the federal government must do all it can to ensure our trading partners play by the rules in order to foster sustainable employment growth at home. In conclusion, I note this bill comes at a time when my home state of Michigan continues to endure record unemployment levels, largely due to the hemorrhaging of manufacturing jobs caused by a decade of unfair trade policies. I believe H.R. 4692 will serve to right past failed policies and, as such, I very passionately support its expedited consideration and adoption.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 1875, the End the Trade Deficit Act. I wish to commend my colleague, Congressman DeFazio of Oregon for his fine work on this bill. At a time of nascent national economic recovery, we have the opportunity to right the policy failures of the past. This is particularly important with respect to trade. I have long criticized the NAFTA trade agreement model for its detrimental effect on this country's manufacturing base. Indeed, with the implementation of NAFTA and CAFTA, we have witnessed the off-shoring of millions of good-paying American jobs. In light of this, H.R. 1875 will direct establishment of a commission to develop a trade policy plan that will eliminate the U.S. merchandise trade deficit and develop a competitive trade policy for the 21st century. I am particularly pleased that this report, which will include recommendations for administrative and legislative actions to reduce this deficit, must be submitted to the Congress and the President prior to the President's submitting any free trade agreement to the House and Senate for approval. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1875 will substitute measured concern in place of rash trade policy. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill and in so doing, help this country achieve sustainable economic recovery.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5822, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (Mil Con-VA) and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2011. I commend my friend and colleague, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX) for writing a bill that provides tremendous support to our veterans and families. One of the greatest accomplishments since the Democrats regained control of Congress has been providing our veterans with a budget worthy of their service and sacrifice. The Mil Con-VA Appropriations Act for FY 2011 is no exception. Since the Democrats took back Congress in 2007, we have provided a 70 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits. Some of the highlights of this increase include the addition to the VA of more than 10,000 claims processors to reduce claims backlogs, 3,389 doctors and 14,316 nurses, 145 community-based outpatient clinics, 92 new vet centers, and more than 47,000 additional Veterans Health Administration employees. In addition, the FY 2011 Mil Con-VA Appropriations Act also fulfills a top priority of national veterans service organizations by continuing to provide advance appropriations of the VA. This way, the VA will be better able to plan for its future needs. Other important provisions in this legislation include $37.1 billion to improve access to medical services for all veterans; $5.2 billion for mental health services for our veterans suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury; and $4.2 billion to help our homeless veterans move from the streets to secure homes. Madam Chair, as a veteran of World War II, I am proud to support this legislation which continues the Democratic Congress' strong commitment to our veterans and their families. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 5822.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 301, which would direct the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from Pakistan within 30 days or, if the President deems it not safe within 30 days, to withdraw the troops by December 31, 2010. Let me state unequivocally, I strongly support a vigorous debate on this matter, especially in light of the documents made available by WikiLeaks. I worry about leaks of classified information, especially when leaks could put our nation and our troops in harm's way. That said, the documents appear to make clear what we already knew, we are involved in a very messy and difficult war in the region. This is something that President Obama realized when he ordered a new strategy in Afghanistan. For eight years I called on President George W. Bush to increase our resources devoted to the War in Afghanistan, which I don't need remind anyone is the nation from which the September 11th attacks were launched. There were many others arguing the same thing. Finally, with President Obama we got serious policy review and a real strategy. It has been just 18 months since the President's speech at West Point which aptly reminded the nation that a very real threat still exists. Moreover, the additional 30,000 troops called for in that speech will not be fully deployed until September. It would be a mistake to abandon the President's plan now before we allow time for the plan to work. To do so could jeopardize the lives of our American troops.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5341, legislation I have introduced on behalf of my friend and colleague from Michigan, Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-08). The bill would name the postal facility on Orndorff Drive in Brighton Michigan, the ``Joyce Rogers Post Office Building.'' Joyce Rogers, the late mother of Congressman Mike Rogers, passed away at her Brighton, Michigan home on November 4, 2009 at the age of 78. Joyce Rogers was a long-time Brighton resident and a tireless public servant, devoting much of her time to the betterment and economic development of the Brighton community. As executive director of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, Joyce Rogers played an integral role in building the business organization into the area's most important political and business networking organization. Through her efforts, Brighton was transformed into a thriving business community, attracting new residents and customers to the area. In addition to being a small business advocate, Joyce Rogers always remembered her role as a leader, taking time to serve her community by acting as a mentor to Brighton women. She has left a lasting impression on the Brighton business community and imparted on her community the importance of public service. Mr. Speaker, the Michigan delegation has thrown its support behind Congressman Rogers. Every member of the delegation is an original cosponsor of H.R. 5341. I urge the rest of my House colleagues to show their support for Congressman Rogers, whose mother accomplished much, both in the public sphere and in her private life as a devoted wife of 57 years and mother of three. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5341.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Michigan Solar Car Team on its recent victory in the American Solar Challenge. Two years ago, I rose to laud the successful efforts of this group on its back-to-back wins in the North American Solar Challenge. Today, I rise again to congratulate the team on its third consecutive North American solar car victory, and the University's sixth in ten North American races. This year's car, Infinium, is considered the University's fastest car yet. Tested at over 100 miles per hour, Infinium navigated the 1,100- mile course in 28 hours, 14 minutes, and 44 seconds, winning the race by over two hours. Adhering to posted speed limits, the car averaged 40 miles per hour and required only one brief stop to fix a minor mechanical difficulty. The University of Michigan Solar Car Team is an entirely student-run organization whose purpose is to design, finance, build, and race a solar-powered vehicle in competitions around North America and the world. The team is dedicated to the development of its members as teammates, educators, and leaders, and to the education of its community on the potentials of alternative energy technology. Students who volunteer for the Solar Car Team are typically undergraduates who come from a wide range of academic disciplines, including majors within the College of Engineering, the Ross School of Business, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Each project operates on a two-year project cycle and sees as many as 200 volunteer students participating on the team. The Solar Car Team serves as a shining example of teamwork, creativity, and dedication. In addition to college courses, these students spend countless hours developing technology, raising money, and building partnerships within the University and with outside organizations and businesses. Further, these students are making a major contribution to fuel efficiency and energy conservation. These efforts came together on Saturday, when the team crossed the finish line for its third consecutive title. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the University of Michigan Solar Car team, its faculty advisors, and its sponsors on its recent victory.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of my district's outstanding citizens, Karole White. Karole was recently nominated to the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Hall of Fame because of her service to my home state of Michigan. Karole is best known for her selfless work on behalf of the MAB. For nearly 25 years, she has dedicated herself to the growth and improvement of that organization. When Karole joined the MAB, the organization had minimal resources, and membership was at about half of what it could have been. She played a large role in growing the MAB into one of Michigan's most respected trade associations and among the nation's finest state broadcaster associations. Karole's strong leadership and innovation have helped the MAB integrate into all areas of the broadcasting industry. Currently, over 89 percent of individuals, companies, and organizations affiliated with broadcasting in Michigan have joined the MAB. As you know, Karole is a highly respected member of the broadcasting industry, and her related expertise has allowed her to build a strong relationship with my staff and me. She often provides valuable input on telecommunications issues and is always eager to collaborate with others for the public good. Most importantly, however, her integrity and reliability make me consider her a close friend. Karole continues to employ the MAB's resources to benefit Michigan's communities through the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation. She is truly deserving of her nomination to the MAB Hall of Fame, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on this honor.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I stood before this body in 1999 and gave full-throated opposition to the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act. My opposition had the merit of being correct a decade ago and, at the very least, prophetic today. Indeed, Graham-Leach-Bliley gave rise to the creation of financial juggernauts, whose underhanded actions, gone unregulated by design of that Act and subsequent deregulation, have driven this great country over an economic precipice of proportions not seen since the Great Depression. I will vote in favor of the conference report today because it is, at its core, a good bill. In so doing, however, I admonish legislators and regulators alike never again to permit another economic calamity for want of vigilance. While history judges us for what we do, it will also condemn us for what we do not.

Mr. DINGELL

Mr. DINGELL. I now ask, Mr. Speaker, that the House have a moment of silence in honor of our former colleague and friend, Marvin Esch.

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with considerable sadness to announce the death of a good friend of most of us in this body. Our former colleague and friend, Congressman Marvin Esch of Ann Arbor has died. He was 82. Mr. Esch served in the Michigan State House of Representatives from 1965 to 1966. He was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Ann Arbor and southeastern Michigan through about 1976. In 1976, he made an unsuccessful bid for the United States Senate, losing to our friend and colleague Donald Riegle in the general election. Mr. Esch was a veteran of both the U.S. Maritime Service and the United States Army. He was indeed proud of helping his constituents to navigate the problems that they were having with the Federal Government, especially widows and veterans, as his family takes pride in saying. In Congress, he pushed for an accelerated end to the Vietnam War, and he worked to create an all-volunteer military. He counted Gerald Ford as one of his dear friends. They were both University of Michigan graduates, and he stood by him when President Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States on the day that former President Nixon resigned. He was born in Flinton, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1927. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned an A.B. in 1950, an M.A. in 1951, and a Ph.D. in 1957. He was a lifelong supporter of University of Michigan sports and took considerable pride in the success of that great school. After his time in politics, he served as director of public affairs for the U.S. Steel Corporation from 1977 to 1980. From 1981 to 1987, he was the director of programs and seminars for the American Enterprise Institute. After his retirement in 1992, he worked on a number of philanthropic projects with The Communication Group. He died in his sleep Saturday, June 19, two days after celebrating his 60th anniversary. His wife, Olga, survives him. He is survived also by his brother, Gordon Esch; a sister, Emily Esch of Bigfork, Montana; son, Tom Esch and his wife, Charlene, of Kalispell, Montana; and by grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews. We all remember him as a kind man who loved to tell and hear stories. He was an optimist who made and cherished lifelong friendships. His relationship with his wife, as well as his relationships with his colleagues, and his hope for the country could best be summed up in the phrase, ``And the best is yet to be.'' I now yield to my dear friend from Michigan.

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the matter that I am about to address.