Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1923) to amend title 31, United States Code, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue certain circulating collectible coins, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 5076) to authorize the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to delegate authority to approve payroll and personnel actions, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2744) to authorize the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to prescribe the manner in which programs of the agency are identified overseas, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 1310) to strengthen the participation of elected national legislators in the activities of the Organization of American States and reaffirm United States support for Organization of American States human rights and anti-corruption initiatives, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 221) to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to monitor and combat anti-Semitism globally, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 4704) to direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to support multidisciplinary research on the science of suicide, and to advance the knowledge and understanding of issues that may be associated with several aspects of suicide including intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to areas such as wellbeing, resilience, and vulnerability, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1925) to designate the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the ``Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System'', with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment to the preamble at the desk.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1181) honoring Rosalyn Smith Carter's 50 years of mental health advocacy, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment to the text at the desk.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 1130) to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health of children and help better understand and enhance awareness about unexpected sudden death in early life, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 8906) to amend title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program under such title relating to lifespan respite care, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1503) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regarding the list under section 505(j)(7) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 5663) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to give authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to destroy counterfeit devices, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, while proxy voting for other members on the floor, I failed to cast my own vote on H.R. 8354--Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020. Had I voted, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 239

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would streamline outdated bureaucratic barriers and Federal roadblocks preventing legitimate medical research into the impacts of medical marijuana. I, too, like my colleague, thank you for your leadership. I have a healthy fear of drugs, having lost a sister to a drug overdose, but there is just too much information we do not have. We have seen dramatic changes in the legal status of marijuana at the State level. Almost 1 year ago to the day, sales of recreational marijuana began in my home State of Michigan. Following multiple successful State ballot initiatives last month, medical marijuana is now legal in 36 States. However, the Federal framework for conducting marijuana research is decades old and has not kept pace with these changes. Currently, as has been said by my other colleagues, scientists in the United States looking to conduct research on marijuana must contend with a heavy-handed, duplicative registration and licensure process that doesn't work. They are limited to using marijuana grown at a single location overseen by the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the University of Mississippi. Collectively, this regulatory red tape greatly limits our understanding of the health impacts of marijuana and prevents qualified researchers from engaging in further study. We are driving cars that NHTSA can't do the research they need to do about people driving while smoking. We should know that. The Medical Marijuana Research Act will streamline this cumbersome process by preventing bureaucratic roadblocks on marijuana research registration applications. It will also direct the FDA to issue guidelines on the production of marijuana and ensure that adequate amounts are available for research. The legislation also mandates a comprehensive review of the available body of research on marijuana by the Secretary of Health and Human Services 5 years after enactment. I thank my colleagues--Congresspersons Blumenauer, Griffith, Lofgren, Harris, and Rob Bishop--for all of their work on this. This does matter. We need answers. And I thank my chairman, who has been great about this. I refuse to accept the fact that our Ranking Member Walden is leaving. He is a dear friend, and he has made so much of a difference. He has had very thoughtful input on this, as he does on everything. Mr. Speaker, it is high time we modernize our Nation's Federal regulations to facilitate legitimate medical research into the impacts of marijuana, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend and colleague, Ranking Member Greg Walden, as he begins a new chapter in his life. For two decades, Greg served a community that he loved with his whole heart. He saw his constituents as more than the people who entrusted him with this job, but as family and friends who needed their voices heard in Washington. It wasn't always easy. Long weeks away from family never are. But Greg kept taking those six hour flights from coast to coast because he loved the work and he was committed to the causes that brought him here in the first place. And as he rose through the Energy and Commerce Committee, he grew close to both me and my husband, John. There have certainly been a fair share of spirited debates over policies that we are both passionate about. But the moments spent agreeing on legislation that was signed into law and impacts our constituents today are the memories I'll always cherish. Though we will miss Greg in 2123 Rayburn, we are all excited for what his future holds. Hope to see my friend again soon.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Marianne Udow-Phillips as she celebrates her retirement as executive director of the Center for Health Research. Her contributions to our community are worthy of commendation. Marianne Udow-Phillips was the founding executive director of the Center for Health Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan. In this role, Marianne led several projects and initiatives to advance evidence-based care delivery, improve population health, and expand access to care. While at the University of Michigan, Marianne was also a lecturer in the School of Public Health and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, where she guided students on how to develop equitable policy solutions to address the nation's most pressing healthcare issues. Prior to her role at CHRT, Marianne served as director of the State of Michigan's Department of Human Services and senior vice president of health care products and provider services at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. In addition, she has held several leadership roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Mercy Alternative. Marianne currently serves as a board member for the Grameen Foundation. University of Michigan Health System, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, U-M Depression Center National Advisory Board, Greater Detroit Area Health Council, and Michigan Women's Foundation Emeritus Board. Throughout all capacities, Marianne Udow-Phillips has been recognized as a transformative, effective, and motivated leader who strives to effect change. Her leadership has positively impacted the health care landscape in Michigan, and her efforts have been paramount in informing policymakers of critical healthcare needs across the community. Above all, Marianne is a kind, compassionate, and generous friend who is always willing to help someone in need. She had dedicated her career to bettering the community, and she has devoted her lifetime to mentoring and supporting women. Marianne has earned several awards and honors for her impactful work, including the Anti-Defamation League's ``Women of Achievement Award''; Crain's Detroit Business's top 100 ``Most Influential Women Award''; and the Michigan Women's Foundation's ``Women of Achievement and Courage Award.'' Although Marianne is retiring as executive director, she will remain a strong presence at CHRT. She will continue her important work and serve as a senior advisor on a number of CHRT initiatives. Moving forward, Marianne plans to begin the next chapter of her life by using her talents and wide expertise to launch a consulting company. Undoubtably, Marianne has a made a difference in our community, and we wish her continued success in the years ahead. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Marianne Udow-Phillips. We are proud to celebrate her work, accomplishments, and significant community impact. We are grateful for her outstanding leadership and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Rupert Lewis as he delivers the keynote speech at The PuLSE Institute Literary Circle Forum. Dr. Lewis's significant academic achievements are worthy of commendation. Dr. Rupert Lewis is Professor Emeritus of Political Thought in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. He is a scholar of the Garvey movement and Caribbean radicalism in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and he holds years of experience lecturing political science, political thought in the Caribbean, and African and global politics. Currently, Dr. Lewis is a research fellow in the PJ Patterson Centre for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy at the UWI, working alongside Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Paterson to strengthen the relationship between the Caribbean and Africa. Dr. Lewis is recognized globally as a leading academic in political thought. He has published a host of essays and biographies that have propelled the academic discipline forward and have been formative in scholars' understanding of politics in the Caribbean. Beyond academics, Dr. Lewis is an activist for reparative justice and has earned the Order of Distinction, Commander class honor from the Government of Jamaica for his efforts. Dr. Lewis's selection to deliver the keynote speech underscores his wide expertise and exemplifies his commitment to enhancing awareness of the Caribbean's impacts on the global community. As the United States celebrates the election of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the first Black woman of Jamaican descent to assume the vice presidency, Dr. Lewis will provide valuable insight of the Caribbean's many contributions to United States politics and how it continues to shape American political life today. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Rupert Lewis as he delivers the keynote speech at The PuLSE Institute Literary Circle Forum. Dr. Lewis's academic expertise continues to make a difference, and his testimony will enhance our community's understanding of the role the Caribbean has played within our own nation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ryan Bates and his years of distinguished service with Michigan United. His leadership and community impact are worthy of commendation. Ryan Bates is the founding director of Michigan United, a statewide coalition of 100 organizations that work together to achieve economic, social, and racial justice in Michigan. In this capacity, Ryan has led the coalition to extend its mission statewide, encouraging all to use their voices to advocate for a just, equitable, and sustainable future. As a Michigan-native and graduate of the University of Michigan, Ryan deeply understands the needs of the state community and has dedicated his career to effecting positive change throughout the state. Previously, Ryan has been an organizer for the Michigan Raise the Wage Coalition, Environment Michigan, and the Gamaliel Foundation. In addition, Ryan has overseen four successful Michigan State House races and worked with Reform Immigration for America across the Midwest. Throughout Michigan, Ryan Bates is recognized as a humble, compassionate, and effective leader who strives to make a difference. He seeks to build bridges that unite communities and draw people together, and he has committed himself to fighting for a brighter future for all. Ryan has been a strong voice for communities across Michigan and has brought critical awareness to significant issues affecting the state. His leadership has made a lasting difference, and we are grateful for his years of dedicated service. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ryan Bates. We are proud to celebrate his work, accomplishments, and significant community impact. We thank him for his outstanding leadership and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brian Loftus and his years of distinguished service to Grosse Ile Township. His leadership and community impact are worthy of commendation. In 2008, Brian Loftus became Grosse Ile Township Supervisor. In this position, Loftus has moderated the Board of Trustees, led the development of the township budget, overseen property assessment, and maintained township records. In addition, he has been a liaison to the Downtown Development Authority, served on the Elections Commission, and has appointed the members of a variety of other township commissions, among other tasks. Supervisor Loftus's leadership has come at a pivotal moment in our state's history. As communities across Michigan are grappling with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Supervisor Loftus has remained committed to ensuring Grosse Ile Township continues to be a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming residential community for all. Supervisor Brian Loftus's sense of dedication transcends Grosse Ile Township. Prior to serving Grosse Ile as township supervisor, Loftus served our nation in uniform. Loftus joined the Air Force in 1970 and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974. He served on active duty as a pilot until being transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard in 1981, where he continued serving in several operation and staff duty positions until his retirement in September 2003. Over the course of 33 years of military service, Loftus has come to deeply understand the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and commitment to bettering one's community. Undoubtably, he applied these principles throughout his tenure as township supervisor. In addition, Loftus has been an active member of several community organizations. He volunteers with the Grosse Ile Historical Society, Friends of the Detroit River, and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, to name a few. Throughout all capacities, Loftus has been recognized as a humble and compassionate leader who strives to effect lasting change. He has been a strong voice for Grosse Ile Township and used his authority to bring the community together and positively impact the lives of countless residents. Loftus's impact will forever endure, and we are all grateful for his years of service to our community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Township Supervisor Brian Loftus. We are proud to celebrate his work, accomplishments, and significant community impact. We thank him for his outstanding leadership and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Block, Report, And Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act, which would crack down on pill dumping and other abusive practices to address the ongoing opioid epidemic, which still remains one of the most significant public health challenges facing our country. In 2018, over 67,000 Americans still lost their lives to drug overdoses, and preliminary data for 2019 suggests that deaths are rising again. My home State of Michigan has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19. We have seen a 15 percent year- over-year increase in fatal overdoses across the entire State since March of this year. New tools to address pill dumping and other dodgy practices that have perpetuated the opioid crisis are needed more now than ever. The Block, Report, And Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act will crack down on these abuses. It will improve oversight of the opioid supply chain by mandating that the drug manufacturers and distributors exercise due diligence when they receive a suspicious order for controlled substances. This includes blocking or declining to fill the suspicious order, and providing the DEA with additional data and background on the indicators on the order in question. Distributors and manufacturers should be active partners in addressing these abuses, and this legislation's commonsense protections will save lives in Michigan and the country. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize my colleague, Congressman McKinley, for his years of leadership and work in highlighting this issue and driving action to address the role bad actors continue to play in perpetuating the opioid crisis. I also thank Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Walden, who I am going to miss greatly, as well as the Democratic and Republican committee staff for working tirelessly to advance this important bipartisan priority. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Cynthia Wilbanks as she celebrates her retirement. We are proud to recognize her many years of distinguished service with the University of Michigan and the profound impact she has left on our community. In September 1998, Cynthia Wilbanks was appointed to Vice President of Government Relations at the University of Michigan. In this capacity, Wilbanks has directed U-M's government relation efforts at the local, state, and federal level and has been tirelessly advocate for the university's students, faculty, and staff. Wilbanks has also held other notable leadership positions at U-M. She has served on the Bentley Historical Library Executive Committee, the Bicentennial Planning Committee, the Ginsberg Center Board, the Honorary Degree Committee, the Michigan in Washington Program Faculty Advisory Committee, and the Residency Appeals Committee. In addition, she served as Interim Vice President for Communications in 2007 and Interim Vice President for Development from 2002 to 2003. Cynthia Wilbanks has decades of public service experience. She previously served as district director and Washtenaw County field representative for U.S. Rep. Carl Pursell and also served as a staff assistant for U.S. Rep. Marvin Esch. Wilbanks's extensive knowledge of the legislative process augmented her effectiveness as VP of Government Relations and enabled U-M to better meet its legislative priorities. In addition, Wilbanks has been an active member of several community and civic organizations. Before joining U-M, Wilbanks was the president of Michigan's Children. In addition, she has served on the board of directors for Ann Arbor SPARK, the Riverside Arts Center Foundation, the Bank of Ann Arbor, and the Center for Michigan, and has been involved in leadership roles with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Glacier Hills Retirement Center. Wilbanks has been recognized for her remarkable accomplishments by a host of organizations. She was named one of the 100 most influential women in Metro Detroit by Crain's Detroit Business, has been a recipient of the Spirit Award, and received a Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council, to name only a few. Throughout her career, Wilbanks has been recognized as a dedicated and compassionate leader who strives to effect lasting change. She has been a strong voice for the University of Michigan, expanding the breadth of the institution and the opportunities it can extend to students and surrounding communities. She used her knowledge, expertise. and authority to make a difference and positively impact the lives of countless Michiganders. Without a doubt, Wilbanks's impact will forever endure, and we are all grateful for the remarkable strides she made. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the retirement of Cynthia Wilbanks from the University of Michigan. I am proud to honor her work, accomplishments, and significant community impact. We thank her for her outstanding leadership and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of Donna Ancinec of Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Donna was a noted civic leader, a beloved member of her community, a mother, and a friend. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. We offer condolences to her family and friends who are grieving this terrible loss while also celebrating her life, her many accomplishments, and the impact she had on those who knew her. Donna was a noted public servant, as she first began her service on the Crestwood School Board in 2001 and served as president for 15 years, until her passing. Her passion for students, education, and improving the lives of young people was unparalleled, and she served the people of Dearborn Heights with distinction during her 20 years on the board. Many changes happened during that time, and Donna was always there to serve as a steady hand, guiding the school district into the digital age and always putting the interests of students first. For 20 years, as thousands of children passed through the halls of Crestwood Schools and began their journey into adulthood, they have Donna Ancinec to thank for providing the foundation of their education. For Donna, public service was not a means to an end but a calling to serve those in her community. Her dedication to education and improving the lives of young people will never be forgotten. Donna loved her community in Dearborn Heights, and her community cherished the role she played in their lives. Besides serving on the school board, Donna always took the time to be there for her extended network of family and friends. She was very proud of her Maltese heritage and was an active member of the Detroit Chapter of the Maltese American Benevolent Society. Large gatherings at her home were frequent and that sense of community and love that she brought to her life will be sorely missed by those who knew her well. Donna is survived by her son, Joseph, and her daughter, Emily. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Donna Ancinec. She left this world too early, but her kind, loving nature will never be forgotten by those who knew her.