Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign, a co-founder of pink ribbon. Their years of service to breast cancer research, treatment, and screening are worthy of commendation. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women. According to the CDC, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men every year in the United States. Nearly 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer. Unfortunately, incidences of breast cancer disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic women. Over the course of the past three decades, the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign has become a pillar in the breast cancer community. From funding critical medical resources, services, and centers for those impacted by breast cancer, the program continues to actively seek out opportunities to help individuals connect with life-saving screenings and mammograms. They are at the forefront of this effort, advancing the conversations on the importance of breast health education and early detection by facilitating discussions between the breast cancer community, medical experts, and key leaders. Three decades ago, breast cancer was a taboo topic. For people experiencing the difficulties of a breast cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment, there was little discussion and understating of what care was needed for them. The pink ribbon changed all that. It brought breast cancer to the public eye and allowed for further public discussion. The now iconic pink ribbon was introduced to be a visual representation of this empowerment, it symbolizes strength, unity, and hope. Millions of survivors and their advocates wear this today. The Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign has funded more than $108 million for lifesaving global research, education, and medical services, including $86 million funding medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation that fuels research across the entire spectrum of the disease. Their work has been critical in getting us one step closer to our shared goal of a breast cancer- free world. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign. We are grateful for their decades of impactful work and wish the campaign continued success in the years ahead.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I rise today to recognize an individual that has made significant contributions to our nation's fish and wildlife conservation efforts, as well as America's longstanding outdoor traditions. This individual is also the inaugural recipient of an award named after members of this body that have made lasting and significant contributions to our nation's outdoor heritage. Robert ``Bob'' Model was born in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1942 to Faith Rockefeller Model and Belgian Jean Model. Model attended The Browning School in New York and then graduated from Elon College in Elon, North Carolina in 1967. Bob and his wife, Mona, now live in Cody, Wyoming where he is a rancher, outfitter, and businessman, as well as a hunter, conservationist, philanthropist, and active participant in wildlife conservation. Bob has long been a champion of private lands in sustaining our public wildlife resources and of the need to improve sportsman and landowner relations. On his Mooncrest Ranch, Bob has actively worked to enhance wildlife habitat on both private and public lands. In an ongoing partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Shoshone National Forest, Bob has successfully grown a non-migratory elk herd in the Rattlesnake Mountain and Trout Creek Basin area from 250 elk to well over 2,000 since the mid 1970s. The herd is maintaining their population in very difficult circumstances, including wildfires and drought. In addition, the Mooncrest Ranch provides several hundred days annually of free public access for big game hunting. While Bob is an excellent steward of the land, his most noteworthy contributions to wildlife conservation in Wyoming and throughout the country are in the public policy arena at the national level. Bob is a member, past president, and chairman of the Boone and Crockett Club. During Bob's tenure as president, he was a leader in re-establishing the Club's historic role as one of the premiere conservation organizations promoting hunter ethics and advancing national policy on wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. As a well-read historian, Bob understands, believes, practices, and even preaches the conservation philosophy of Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell who were founders of the Boone and Crockett Club. As a Boone and Crockett member, Bob has personally provided major support for Boone and Crockett endowed professorships at the University of Montana, Oregon State University, and Texas A&M. Bob has also been an advocate for professional wildlife management with a long tenure on the Board of Directors for the Wildlife Management Institute, including a stint as Chairman. He was a founder and past chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) which is a coalition of over forty of America's most respected hunter/conservation organizations that meet to discuss and take action on the most important conservation issues facing our country. The AWCP has developed and forwarded a conservation vision to the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations and works actively with administration officials to implement the necessary policy revisions. During the George W. Bush Administration, Bob was a member and chairman of the Sporting Conservation Council and served as a member of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council during the Obama Administration. Bob is also a founder and board member of the National Conservation Leadership Institute in Shepherdstown, WV, a joint endeavor between state and federal wildlife agencies, private conservation organizations, and natural resource industry to provide world-class leadership training to the next generation of conservation executives. Bob has also been instrumental in the founding and growth of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in the United States Congress, bringing together members with professed support for hunting, fishing, and professional wildlife management. Since the Caucus's founding in 1988, Bob has remained active and involved through his support of numerous Caucus initiatives and his many contributions to the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, including his nearly two decades of service on the Foundation Board of Directors, including a term as Chairman of the Board. In recognition of Mr. Model's service to conservation--both on-the ground and in the policy arena--Mr. Model has been chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award, a fitting tribute to an individual whose life has epitomized dedication to America's outdoor heritage. Named in recognition of the Dingell family--Congressmen John D. Dingell, Sr. and my husband, John D. Dingell, Jr.--and my good friend, the late Congressman Don Young, the Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award is a fitting tribute for Mr. Model. Each day as Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I think about the award's namesake patrons. Like them, Mr. Model's contributions were built upon a commitment to never allowing partisan politics to cloud his love of the great outdoors and his commitment to the time-honored traditions of hunting and fishing. In closing, I want to thank Mr. Model for his many contributions to America's outdoor heritage and congratulate him for the well-deserved recognition as the first ever recipient of the Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ford Motor Company's luxury vehicle division Lincoln on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. Their century of success is worthy of commendation. In 1922, Henry Ford's son Edsel Ford bought the Lincoln Motor Company headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with the goal of manufacturing luxury cars. Throughout the years, the Lincoln Motor Company has grown to become one of the top luxury vehicle brands. Lincoln's cars are nationally recognized for their elegance and have been the car of choice for many prominent figures such as President Calvin Coolidge and several other United States Presidents. The first to debut features such as center-opening coach doors, electric gauges, keyless entry, and symphonic chimes, Lincoln's new innovations have made a significant impact on the automotive industry. To celebrate their 100 years of success, Lincoln is launching a year- long collection of events worldwide. As part of their celebration, Lincoln's cars will also be featured at the 71st Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance in California, where the brand's iconic designs dating back to 1922 will be put on public display, and they will unveil their vision for their second century of operation. Looking ahead to a cleaner future, Lincoln is also reimagining their brand in the 21st century by shifting their focus toward vehicle electrification and service connections. By 2030, Lincoln plans to have a fully electric global portfolio supported by their new zero-emission Lincoln Star Concept. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lincoln as they celebrate 100 years of excellence. We are grateful for their decades of service to our community, and wish Lincoln continued success in the years ahead.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act. This landmark package is finally on the House floor after over a year of hard work and rolling up our sleeves. This bill will serve all Americans by bringing down energy and health costs, reversing inflation, reducing the deficit, cleaning up our environment, and sparking a new, clean energy economy. It is responsibly paid for, and middle-class families will not see any increased taxes. This is a defining moment for tackling the climate crisis. This bold legislation represents the single largest investment in clean energy, environmental justice, and climate actions in American history, including the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and increased investments in both the ATVM loan program, and the Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant program, based on legislation I helped write. The automotive industry is fully committed to going electric. While this legislation may pose some challenges in the short term, it will strengthen the long-term trajectory of the automotive industry, our domestic supply chains, and American manufacturing. It is bringing jobs home, strengthening our supply chain, and reducing our dependency on foreign manufacturing. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act we are considering today and would like to speak specifically to the inclusion of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is based on important legislation I authored to address the climate crisis. The Inflation Reduction Act appropriates $27 billion to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finance climate specific projects that will reduce carbon emissions, which will be dispensed through the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Fund. The GHG Reduction Fund is the product of more than 13 years of legislative effort by numerous members of the House and Senate and provides resources to fulfill the vision and mission of this legislative effort to capitalize a national climate bank that will support a swift transition to an equitable, clean-energy economy, In the House, the GHG Reduction Fund is based on H.R. 806, the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator Act. I introduced this important legislation to provide the maximum funding possible to and capitalize a single independent, non-profit national financing institution (``NNFI'')--the first ever national green bank--that would in turn make its financial and technical resources available to communities across the country. It is our hope, as the administration implements the GHG Reduction Fund, it will consider the benefits and structure of the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator Act. It is our hope the Environmental Protection Agency would make awards through the GHG Reduction Fund to capitalize a single NNFI, as intended under the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator Act, and for that NNFI to use that capitalization funding to leverage private investment in amounts several times greater than the initial public investment. Once capitalized, the bill requires the entity to make direct investments into qualified projects at the national, regional, state, and local levels and, importantly, to make indirect investments into such projects by providing financial and technical assistance to an open, inclusive, and ever-expanding network of state and local nonprofit financial institutions--including existing and newly established green banks and community development finance institutions--that are committed to making investments in the products that will compose the clean power platform on which the economy must run. The GHG Reduction Fund makes an historic investment into low income and disadvantaged communities as well, mandating that at least 40 percent of the over $20 billion be used to benefit qualified projects and the financing entities that support qualified projects within these communities, but we expect that the full investment in these communities will be far larger through leverage and investments from the remainder of the Fund. The GHG Reduction Fund, and the American people, would benefit most and achieve its purpose most effectively through the capitalization of a single independent NNFI, as originally intended in the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator Act. A single independent NNFI will not be limited by any jurisdictional boundary--no community is beyond its reach. Therefore, the NNFI approach could directly invest in qualified projects anywhere in the United States that would otherwise lack funding. In addition, the NNFI approach can indirectly invest in any community by providing the funding and technical assistance necessary to establish new financial institutions and further capitalize and strengthen existing ones. The NNFI would grow a diverse, open, and inclusive network of state and local green banks and other mission driven financing entities. Capitalizing a single independent NNFI at scale, through the GHG Reduction Fund, would also enable public investment to be leveraged more efficiently which, in turn, drives much greater private capital investment in qualified projects, whether at the national, regional, state, or local level. And the Inflation Reduction Act requires the entity to ``retain, manage, recycle, and monetize all repayments and other revenue'' generated using the capitalization grant. We count on EPA to assure that the NNFI will be subject to the appropriate regulations and requirements that would apply to similar non-profit institutions that have been capitalized with federal or nonfederal dollars. At the same time, the relationship between EPA and the single independent nonprofit national financing institution should be designed to preserve its operational flexibility and ability to respond quickly to market conditions to execute with the speed that the climate crisis demands. Finally, the Inflation Reduction Act sets a 180-day period for EPA to complete all these steps: establish the GHG Reduction Fund, issue a grant solicitation, award capitalization grants, and disburse the funds. These aggressive deadlines were established because the GHG Reduction Fund cannot achieve its purpose unless the full amount of funds appropriated to this program are put into use through a NNFI approach immediately. Disbursing all the funds within 180 days though a single independent NNFI, as originally intended under the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator Act will ensure that we can expeditiously address the urgent threat of catastrophic climate change, in an equitable manner, on day 181. A swift disbursement of the maximum funding amount possible will allow the climate bank to leverage more private financing--thereby ensuring our public investment has a far reaching impact. The impacts of climate change have created an emergency situation that poses a substantial danger to the health and safety of the American public, and the award and disbursement of the maximum amount of funds appropriated to the GHG Reduction Fund cannot be delayed. We recognize that the timeline will require EPA, at every step in the grant process, to evaluate approaches that can reduce the amount of time that it would otherwise take to complete that step--and it is our intention that EPA will utilize all legally-authorized strategies that are necessary to ensure the full amount of the funding is disbursed on time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti Senior Center for the 60th anniversary of their founding. Their decades of service to the Ypsilanti community are worthy of commendation. Since December of 1962, the Ypsilanti Senior Center has been providing crucial services to the seniors in our community like opportunities for safe and structured recreation, lunches to order, as well as education in technology. The Center also provides a place in the community for friendship, socializing, and networking. With all that it provides, the Center has truly become a home away from home for our seniors. Under the leadership of Director Monica Prince, the Ypsilanti Senior Center was able to continue its important work during the depths of the pandemic. They switched over to a frozen meal pickup, maintaining a service that is essential to those who cannot provide for themselves. Partnering with our Washtenaw Community College, fitness classes were taken online to make sure that our seniors could continue to access them. Despite being isolated, our seniors were able to maintain that feeling of community that the Senior Center provides. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Ypsilanti Senior Center for 6 decades of exemplary service to the seniors in the Ypsilanti community. I extend my gratitude to all the workers and volunteers that have provided comfort and joy to those who laid the foundation for future generations to grow and prosper.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elina Zilberberg, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for her 25 years of service with the Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. Her contributions to our community are worthy of commendation. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan in the former Soviet Union, Elina immigrated to the Detroit area with her parents as a refugee in 1979. This experience sparked a deep interest in refugee advocacy, leading Elina to begin her career as a resettlement case worker in Metro Detroit after earning a B.A. in Business Administration from Wayne State University. In the years since, Elina has dedicated her professional career to supporting others as they navigate the same challenging journey her family experienced decades ago. From her humble beginnings as JFS's first employee in October 1997, Elina has become a pillar of the organization. She now serves as their Chief Operating Officer and is involved in coordinating employment services, the English as a Second Language program, and transportation services. As COO, she oversees HR, facilities management, as well as purchasing. Her leadership has been instrumental to the enormous growth that JFS of Washtenaw County has experienced over the last 25 years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating Elina Zilberberg. I join with our community to thank her for her tireless work in helping other families prosper and achieve the American Dream. I am proud to honor her work and the impact she has made on our community.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Weston Vivian. His contributions to the Ann Arbor community and the nation are worthy of commendation. Weston was born in Newfoundland in 1924, but grew up in Rhode Island after moving to the United States at the age of five. He enlisted in the Navy V-12 College Training Program, which enabled him to earn his bachelor's degree and master's degree in electrical engineering. After attending Union College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, his education culminated with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959. While working toward his Ph.D., Weston was involved in many tech start-ups as well as research and lecturing at the University of Michigan. He was also the Chairman of the Ann Arbor City Democratic Committee from 1959 to 1961. After establishing himself as a dedicated leader within the Ann Arbor community, Weston was the first professional engineer elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1964. Throughout his term, Weston immersed himself in several landmark movements. In February 1965, he traveled to Selma, Alabama with a congressional delegation to meet with Martin Luther King, Jr. Even in just one term, he worked closely with my husband, John Dingell, to pass the Voting Rights Act and the Social Security Amendments, eventually leading to the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Weston will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who committed his life to making Michigan a better place. Even after leaving Congress, Weston remained active in bettering his community. He volunteered his time working to advance science and technology, served as a faculty member at the University of Michigan, and served on the Michigan Transportation Commission from 1978 to 1987. He routinely participated in the Ann Arbor Independence Day Parade and Ann Arbor Art Fair, and he spent his free time sailing across the Great Lakes. After moving out of his house and into a senior living center in 2011, his home was converted into the Ann Arbor Area Nature Preserve office--a testament to his appreciation of our great outdoors. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the life of Weston Vivian and extending my heartfelt condolences to his surviving family. I am proud to honor his legacy as a talented educator, scientist, and devoted public servant.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the CHIPS and Science Act. Semiconductor chips help power nearly every sector of our economy, and I have witnessed firsthand how the global chip shortage has led to idle plants and layoffs and continues to hurt the auto industry, union workers, and our Nation's competitiveness by the hour. The reality is that we need to make more chips, and we need to make them in America. We are at an inflection point where we can and must cement U.S. leadership and keep America at the forefront of innovation and technology. The CHIPS and Science Act will support long-term investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, including $2 billion for mature- node semiconductor chips that are critical for the automotive industry, advance research and development, and create good-paying American jobs. These provisions will assist in revitalizing our States' economies that have been constrained by supply chain vulnerabilities, reducing production and driving up prices. This isn't just a manufacturing jobs issue, but it is also of vital importance to our national security. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which would provide critical extensions of existing telehealth flexibilities that have been in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021, which I co-led with my colleague, Congresswoman Cheney, will do just that. It will extend a broad range of telehealth flexibilities that are central to enabling access to care via telehealth from any location through December 31, 2024. This includes allowing any site in the United States, including a patient's home, to be considered an eligible originating site for the delivery of telehealth services. It also extends other vital services, including coverage of certain telehealth services delivered via audio- only format. Collectively, these changes will build on what has worked during the pandemic. It will expand access to quality, affordable healthcare across the country, particularly in rural and underserved communities. It will also, Madam Speaker, allow those who have been afraid to go to the doctor, who haven't been able to get in, to be able to consult with medical professionals as they need it. I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Cheney, for partnering with me on this effort, as well as Chairman Pallone for his thoughtful leadership and input on the legislation before us today. It is also important to recognize other leading voices on the telehealth issue in the Congress, including Congressman Mike Thompson for his pioneering efforts on this issue. This legislation is a bipartisan win for the American people. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6929, the Susan Muffley Act of 2022. Every worker deserves a secure and dignified retirement. That shouldn't be negotiable, especially when they were promised a pension as part of their income and put into it. This legislation restores the pension benefits of Delphi salaried retirees that were impacted by the Great Recession, some of whom saw their pensions cut by as much as 70 percent as a result of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's termination of their benefits unfairly. My State of Michigan was particularly impacted, as I know the State of Ohio was--it was a good midwest company--by the termination of these plans, with thousands of retirees losing pension benefits they earned, they were promised. They deserve the full value of what they earned and were promised. These retirees have been fighting for over a decade to receive these benefits, and it is time to make them whole. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill. I thank my colleague for his leadership. When we are home, we listen to these people who are just in total tears. They don't know what to do. And my colleague has never stopped leading the charge for them.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 175th Anniversary of the City of Taylor, Michigan, located in the Downriver area of Metro Detroit. The City of Taylor is strong and resilient--just like their residents. The city offers beautiful recreation areas, excellent educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Their nearly two centuries of excellence are worthy of commendation. Named after former President Zachary Taylor, the city began as a small township. In the city's early days, it was part of Ecorse Township, but residents of the area found they were too spread out to fully participate in the necessary civic functions. Because of this, residents petitioned to form a separate community, which was approved in 1847. For what started as an agricultural area, Taylor has flourished into a diverse city of many industries and opportunities. Residents of Taylor can live, work, and shop all within a twenty-four square mile area. The city is well connected to the rest of Metro Detroit through highways and is just east of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. As they say: ``all roads lead to Taylor.'' Taylor's talented residents are employed at various medical centers, retail locations, and transportation practices, providing essential services to the entire Downriver community. The city is home to the Taylor High School, Taylor Prep Charter High School, Trillium Academy, and the Downriver campus of Wayne County Community College where students thrive. Natives of Taylor include famous athletes, actors, and musicians--there is no shortage of talent coming from this city. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the City of Taylor as they celebrate 175 fantastic years. Although much has changed over the years, the sense of resilience and community that is found in Taylor has never changed. We wish Mayor Tim Woolley and the entire Taylor community the very best during this time of recognition and celebration.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mary Kerr, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor on the occasion of her retirement. Her honorable 27 years of dedication to our Washtenaw County community are worthy of commendation. Ms. Kerr's service to Washtenaw County started even before her time in tourism. Ms. Kerr began her career in hospitality as a manager at the historic Haab's Restaurant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She served as the Executive Director for the Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau before becoming Executive Director for the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau. Under Ms. Kerr, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureaus were merged into one countywide entity, bringing together our diverse communities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti for good. During her time at Destination Ann Arbor, Ms. Kerr was instrumental in growing the budget of the organization. She also oversaw the creation of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, a ten-year destination master plan for Washtenaw County that consists of a strategic plan to boost the local economy and other key initiatives to ensure Ann Arbor is a destination for travelers and locals alike. Outside of work, she continues to advocate for the hospitality industry through her roles on various boards in Washtenaw County. Ms. Kerr has been recognized for her dedicated service through various awards, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award by Michigan Meetings and Events. She was also named CVB Star of the Year at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism. Her stellar work as an ambassador for our community makes her beyond worthy of this recognition. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Mary Kerr for her 27 years of service. As we come together to celebrate her retirement, all of us in the Washtenaw community reflect on the great work she has done that will benefit our area for years to come. I join with her family, friends, and colleagues in wishing her the very best in her retirement.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Foyid Mockbil of Howell, Michigan on the occasion of his retirement from Dearborn Police Department. His 25 years of service to the Dearborn community are worthy of commendation. A graduate of Fordson High School, Corporal Mockbil was the first Yemeni American hired at the Dearborn Police Department, joining the team in 1997. Throughout his career, he has held various positions in the department including in Patrol Operations, Field Training, and on the SWAT Team as an operator. Additionally, he has served as an Honor Guard Member, School Resource Officer and as a plainclothes officer. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as Senior Officer of the Patrol Division on the night shift. From the halls of Dearborn's elementary schools to events throughout the community, Corporal Mockbil is a familiar face to generations of Dearborn residents. Known for his bravery, professionalism, and compassion, he was active in the ACCESS substance abuse program and a frequent volunteer at charity events all over Metro Detroit. A friend to all and a mentor to his peers, Corporal Mockbil has been a great representative of the department for almost 3 decades. All who have the pleasure of knowing him can attest to his infectious energy and joy. Despite being an officer, he never misses a chance to have fun and make memories. Corporal Mockbil resides in Howell, Michigan with his wife Marcie and their daughters Elayna and Elissa. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Corporal Foyid Mockbil for his exemplary career at the Dearborn Police Department. I join with Corporal Mockbil's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his honorable service and thank him for his role in protecting our community and the people of Dearborn for over 2 decades. We wish him the best in retirement and lots of time spent with friends and family.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Tim Stacy of the Dearborn Police Department on the occasion of his retirement, His honorable 22 years of service to our community is worthy of commendation. A graduate of Southgate Anderson High School, Schoolcraft College, and Wayne County Community College Sergeant Stacy began his career in the Dearborn Police Department in 1994 as a reserve police officer. After obtaining his criminal justice degree in 1996; he was promoted to the role of Police Ordinance Officer in 1997. From there, he worked his way up the ranks becoming certified in traffic safety and accident investigations and was promoted to the position of Sergeant and Office in Charge of the Police Motor Carrier and Ordinance Enforcement Units in 2015. Known for his caring heart and willingness to help those in need, Sergeant Stacy has always looked for new ways to advance professionally and better serve his community. He has frequently attended trainings at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition to his duties as an officer, he served as a community liaison for the department, helping improve the lives of his neighbors each day. A dedicated officer and known for his commitment to improving his community, he was awarded the Chiefs Outstanding Service Award in 2018. He has always been there to help anyone who needed a helping hand. He continues to reside in Lincoln Park, Michigan with his wife Maya and is an outstanding father to their children Ava, Emma, and Lily. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergeant Tim Stacy for a career of exemplary service to the Dearborn Police Department. I join with Sergeant Stacy's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his decades of honorable service. We thank him for serving the people of the City of Dearborn for the past 22 years. We wish him the best in retirement and lots of time spent with friends and family as he fights cancer. He is a man of honor and bravery--Cancer has never had a more formidable opponent.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Robert Toth on the occasion of his retirement from Woodhaven Police Department. His thirty years of service to the Woodhaven community are worthy of commendation. A graduate of Siena Heights University, the Eastern Michigan University Police Staff and Command School, and the FBI National Academy, Chief Robert Toth began his career as an intern for the Adrian Police Department, later serving as a Police Officer. On January 13, 1992, he was hired by the Woodhaven Police Department. Over the course of his career, he has served in every position that the department has to offer. In his thirty years at the Woodhaven Police Department, Chief Toth has served as a Patrol Officer, as an Undercover Narcotics Investigator, in the Traffic Bureau, and in the Detective Bureau. As a valued leader in the department, he was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then Deputy Chief, finally becoming Chief of Police in August 2017. In addition to his job at the Woodhaven Police Department, Chief Toth has served as a member of the Downriver SWAT team for twenty-two years before retiring in 2016. He also took time to share his extensive law enforcement experience with others and volunteered as an advisor for the Woodhaven Police Explorers for fourteen years, taught classes at the Wayne County Regional Police Academy, and acted as drill instructor at the State Explorer Academy. Though he may be retiring, Chief Toth remains active in the department's Honor Guard. A treasured mentor and friend, he continues to reside in Woodhaven with his wife Lauren and their two sons. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Chief Robert Toth for his exemplary career in public service at the Woodhaven Police Department. I join with Chief Toth's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his honorable service and thank him for his role in protecting our community and the people of Woodhaven for the past three decades. We wish him the best in retirement.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Leslie of Clinton Township, Michigan. His heroic efforts are worthy of commendation. On the night of Saturday, July 31, 2021, John Leslie was driving on Northwestern Highway when he noticed a vehicle fire on the side of the road. The off-duty border patrol officer and trained Emergency Medical Technician rushed to investigate the scene. Two men who were already at the scene told him that there was a man trapped in the burning vehicle. He saw a person in need and did not hesitate to risk his life to save another. With the front of the vehicle destroyed by the crash, the driver remained trapped in the vehicle at a scene that was becoming more dangerous by the minute. Endangering himself, he climbed into the back of the vehicle to see if he could help remove the driver. The damage prevented him from pulling him out the back or the front. With the clock ticking, he noticed a bowling ball in the backseat. After several strikes, he broke through the driver's side door and was able to open the door and remove the driver. Moments later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Agent Leslie had acted just in time to save the life of the driver. Using his training as an Emergency Medical Technician, he attended to the driver until the authorities arrived on the scene. If it was not for Agent Leslie's heroic actions, the driver would not be alive today. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Agent John Leslie for his efforts that saved a life. We are grateful for Agent Leslie's service to our country as a Border Patrol Agent protecting us from harm. I am proud to commemorate his heroic efforts here today.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Honoring our PACT Act. Toxic exposure has devastating health consequences for our veterans, including many in my district. I talk to them every week when I am home. One is the Michigan president of the VFW, Kevin Hensley, who is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who was stationed near open burn pits and has been diagnosed with several severe illnesses after inhaling that toxic smoke. Despite his sacrifices and his dedication yet today, he faces challenges every day receiving care through the VA, and that is simply unacceptable. With the passage and enactment of this legislation, we can lift the barriers that have been blocking veterans from accessing the life- changing care they need. This bipartisan package will expand healthcare access to veterans across the country, and it will finally ensure that veterans receive the support they deserve. I thank the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for his leadership in advancing the PACT Act, the ranking member, and all the members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand reopening of the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This special occasion and Washtenaw Community College's nearly 60 years of educating and enriching our community is worthy of commendation. This building is named after Dr. Morris J. Lawrence, an influential musician, and former Washtenaw Community College jazz orchestra instructor. Dr. Lawrence made a tremendous impact on his students and our community with his teaching and his music, and this building was dedicated to him shortly after his passing in 1993. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a gifted musician, Dr. Lawrence started composing music in high school. He studied instrumental music at Xavier University of Louisiana, and after graduation moved to Ann Arbor to teach band at St. Thomas High School. He later became the director of music at the school and began teaching at Washtenaw Community College-- all while working on his doctorate at the University of Michigan. A legendary teacher who touched the lives of so many, he wrote forty band compositions, sixty-four dance orchestra pieces, and four string quartets before the age of 30. The reopening of the Morris Lawrence building follows an eight-month closure for renovation and upgrades. The building includes a 495-seat auditorium and is a hub for the creative arts student community. The remodeled Morris Lawrence Building and its new technological advancements will allow Washtenaw Community College to provide many years of quality education to present and future students. A new eco- friendly energy system, fast high-speed internet, and other welcoming amenities are among the new features that will enrich the student experience and reinforce a positive learning environment. Founded in 1965, Washtenaw Community College enrolls nearly twenty thousand students annually and offers over one hundred degree or certificate programs in numerous subject fields. The college has partnerships with local and national businesses as well as the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University to help their students follow any path they choose. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Washtenaw Community College on this special day as the ribbon is cut at the entrance of the renovated Morris Lawrence Building. We are grateful to President Rose Bellanca and the Board of Trustees for their commitment to making Washtenaw Community College a fantastic place to learn and grow for Washtenaw County students of all ages. This new and improved creative arts facility will be an asset to the college and to the greater Washtenaw community for years to come.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Sean Sanford Sims who passed away on June 19, 2022. His honorable service to our country, the state of Michigan, and to our local community is worthy of commendation. Mr. Sims was born on December 28, 1970, to Shirley Ann and Walter Sims of Detroit, Michigan. He was the brother of Willie Erwin. In 1989, after graduating from Chadsey High School, he heard the call of his Nation and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his time of military duty, he courageously served in the Persian Gulf and Desert Storm Wars, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal at the time of his honorable discharge. After completing his military service, he returned home and went on to receive his higher education degrees, earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Social Work, both from Wayne State University. A dedicated member of his community, Mr. Sims was employed by the State of Michigan after his time in the military. Since 2000, he worked as a Veteran Career Advisor within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity at Michigan Works! in Ypsilanti. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of many, changing their path for good. He provided training, counseling, and case management to Michigan veterans in Washtenaw County and from around southeast Michigan. Mr. Sims was a reliable, kind man that cared deeply about his friends and family. He enjoyed meeting and talking to all kinds of people, was committed to public service, and always made sure to make time for those he cared about. Mr. Sims enjoyed the little things in life and always finding something to laugh about. He resided in Ann Arbor and was a father figure to those who knew him, including Patrick. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Sean Sanford Sims. He was a dedicated veteran, a true public servant, and most importantly--a friend to all. He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amy Langdon on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions to our community as a Rosie the Riveter are worthy of commendation. Born on July 25, 1922, Mrs. Langdon was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she attended Northern High School until her family moved to Huntington Woods, Michigan prior to her senior year. She graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1940. She later attended Michigan State University where she studied History. During her summers off from college she worked at Hudson's in Downtown Detroit. In 1943 she was offered the opportunity to serve her country and work at the Highland Park Ford plant where she did the electrical wiring on the M-5 Director, which determined the altitude of an aerial targets. Working on this confidential project, she didn't know the names of the other women she worked with and wasn't able to tell her family about her top- secret job. She played a critical role in supporting American troops overseas and provided for the defense of our soldiers during World War II. As one of the original Rosie the Riveters, Amy's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path for the next generation of working women. While attending Michigan State University she met her husband, who served in the United States Air Force. She traveled to the military base by train on her own and they married on March 20, 1945. Together they spent their life raising their family and travelling to over fifty-five countries. In her spare time, she is an avid golfer, puzzle enthusiast, and talented oil painter. The longest running volunteer in Beaumont hospital history, she has delivered mail to patients for over forty-five years until COVID hit. An active member of her community and a friend to all, she is a longtime member of Philanthropic Educational Opportunities for Women and multiple garden clubs. Beloved by her family, she made sure that she hosted Thanksgiving every year. The biggest Michigan State sports fan, she never misses a football or basketball game. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Amy Langdon on her 100th birthday. I join with her family--including her two children, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day and as they dedicate a rosebush in her honor at the Ross McFadden House in Dearborn. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our nation as a Rosie the Riveter. Today we should all live by her motto as we celebrate one hundred years of Amy--Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't here yet, I live for today.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anita Twardesky on the occasion of her retirement from the Downriver Linked Greenways, where she served as Chair for over two decades. Her years of service to the Downriver community and to our environment are worthy of commendation. Ms. Twardesky is a Michigan native and a longtime environmental advocate in our community and previously worked as Recreation Director for the cities of Flat Rock and Woodhaven before starting as the Community Outreach Manager for Riverside Kayak Connection. The non- profit the Downriver Linked Greenways was launched in 1999 as a result of the Downriver Summit hosted by the late Congressman John Dingell. As Chair of the Greenways, Ms. Twardesky spearheaded multiple projects to extend the Downriver Linked Greenways trail system, including the embarking on the first Downriver trail project and the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail. Furthermore, she helped the organization become a 501(c)(3) and secured over $15 million in funding for trail construction as well as gap analysis of the trail system. Her efforts have helped create over one hundred miles of trails in Downriver. In addition to her role at the Downriver Linked Greenways, Ms. Twardesky has long been a leader in Downriver. She served on the Healthy Trenton Coalition and helped found the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance. Additionally, as the founder of Destination Downriver, she is actively changing the perception of Downriver and attracting new businesses and visitors to the area. Ms. Twardesky's dedication to the evolution of Downriver and its community has not gone unnoticed, and in 2019, she was awarded the Women of Achievement Leadership Award from the Southern Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Outside of work, Ms. Twardesky has headed the ``Go Impact'' program through her church, Southpointe Church, which supports seniors and disabled community members with yard and residential clean ups. A passionate volunteer, she also assists in feeding and housing our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness. Ms. Twardesky resides in Flat Rock with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anita Twardesky for her exemplary work at the Downriver Linked Greenways. I join with Ms. Twardesky's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to her for her tireless commitment to our community and to thank her for her role in Downriver's environmental and economic development. Though we will miss her passion for Downriver and for our wildlife, we wish her the very best in retirement.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It is past time that Congress take action to end the gun violence epidemic that is harming communities across the Nation. We need to protect all people who are vulnerable to gun violence, and this includes survivors of domestic abuse. Existing Federal laws allow abusive dating partners to access firearms. Known as the ``dating partner loophole,'' this dangerous gap in Federal law puts survivors of domestic abuse at risk every day. I thank people for including this and acknowledging that this is an issue. However, it is critical that the Department of Justice swiftly issue regulations and definitions pertaining to the implementation of the dating partner provisions. The definition of ``dating relationship'' in this act is not intended to be overly restrictive, and the definition should be broadly constructed to cover dating relationships as commonly understood in the Violence Against Women Act.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, intimate partner violence is a serious issue, and 50 percent of domestic violence fatalities are caused by their intimate partner. I understand this. I lived in it. Let's be clear: this is a significant bill. We have made progress, but we have more work to do.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to enter into a colloquy with my esteemed colleague from California, Congressman Mike Thompson, regarding the S. 2938, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Mr. Thompson, is it your understanding and intent in supporting this bill that the Department of Justice promulgate regulations pertaining to Section 12005? Is it further your understanding and intent in supporting this bill that the Department of Justice in those regulations define the meaning of the terms `serious,' `continuing,' `recent,' and `recently?'