Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act introduced by my colleague from Utah (Mr. Curtis). The Colorado River is, of course, one of the American West's national treasures, but it is also a vital source of fresh water for 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland across seven States and Mexico. These communities rely on this river for water that is essential to their livelihoods. Agriculture and natural leaching can lead to the rising levels of salinity that threaten the water quality of these communities and the amount of water available to be used for hydropower generation. Congress recognized the crucial need to limit the river's salinity in 1974 when it passed the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, which authorized a desalting complex, and by passing further amendments to establish a basin-wide salinity control project. For years, these actions have helped maintain the salinity content within the river. The problem of salinity now, however, has been significantly intensified by continually worsening drought conditions, which have limited hydropower generation and, in turn, the funds made available for salinity control programs. This bill before us today prompts us to once again take action to preserve the water quality in the Colorado River. Specifically, this legislation would increase the Federal cost share for the program to account for the impacts of ongoing drought. We must ensure that the Colorado River's clean fresh water does not become ruined by our inaction. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the Recognizing the Importance of Critical Minerals in Healthcare Act sponsored by my friend and colleague, Representative Curtis, who I, too, am going to miss when he goes to the other side, but I still plan on working very closely together with him. This bill would require the United States Geological Survey to consult with the Department of Health and Human Services on the critical minerals list. The critical minerals list, as folks know, can be quite controversial, but this bill takes a true good-governance approach by increasing intergovernmental coordination. It is straightforward. The critical minerals list identifies the mineral commodities that are critical to our Nation's economic and national security. Healthcare is, of course, vitally important to our economic and national security. This bill recognizes the importance of the minerals used by the healthcare sector. Certain platinum metals are used in chemotherapy and cardiac technology. Zinc is used to carry portable oxygen and in defibrillators. Lithium is used in pacemakers and other portable electronics. There are countless examples of lifesaving medicines and medical devices that use critical minerals. USGS already consults with the Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy and the U.S. Trade Representative on the critical minerals list and informally consults with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Formally consulting with HHS is an appropriate way to ensure minerals used in medical technologies are appropriately evaluated for criticality. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5103 would speed up the timelines for providing funding to communities affected by fishery disasters. Coastal communities rely on fisheries for jobs and economic development. However, a fishery's health often depends on environmental conditions. Hurricanes, oil spills, and other disasters can severely impact fisheries and harm coastal economies. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Congress can appropriate funds for disaster assistance, which the Department of Commerce can then provide in the form of a grant, cooperative agreement, loan, or contract. After the Secretary of Commerce declares a fishery disaster and Congress appropriates disaster funding, the Office of Management and Budget must approve spend plans before any money can be distributed to recipients. These reviews can also be lengthy. Delays in processing mean longer wait times for fishers, Tribes, and coastal communities needing relief. Allowing the Office of Management and Budget and the Secretary of Commerce to review spend plans concurrently, as this bill proposes, will increase efficiency and speed up the allocation of disaster relief funds, ensuring faster support for impacted communities and more efficient recovery efforts. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act which would convey three parcels of land under the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service to the State of Utah. Once conveyed, the parcels in and around Antelope Island State Park, Fremont Indian State Park, and Wasatch Mountain State Park will be incorporated into the Utah State Parks system to be used for public purposes, including parks, campgrounds, recreation, and permitted livestock grazing. I would like to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for working with the administration to incorporate agency feedback on this bill, including by clarifying the intent for the lands to remain in compliance with the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. By consolidating ownership to the State of Utah, the land conveyance directed by this bill is expected to improve the management of these lands. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6826, a bill introduced by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume), my friend and colleague. This legislation would rename the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center in honor of the late Senator Sarbanes. Throughout his career, Senator Sarbanes showed a deep commitment to the preservation of Fort McHenry and its history. This star-shaped military fort in Baltimore Harbor was a vital site when British forces invaded the Chesapeake Bay region during the War of 1812. In 1814, the British Navy attacked the fort for 25 hours in what has become known as the Battle of Baltimore. This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write what has become the lyrics to ``The Star-Spangled Banner.'' Senator Sarbanes championed legislation to add The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to the National Trails System, and he worked to secure millions of dollars for the restoration of the fort. He served as the vice chair of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, Senator Sarbanes was recognized as an honorary colonel at Fort McHenry and an honorary park ranger. Renaming Fort McHenry's visitor and education center after Senator Sarbanes would commemorate his steadfast commitment to preserving this historic site. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume), the sponsor of this bill.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes), the son of a great man who I would call friend.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished dean of the Maryland delegation.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey).

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 3791 would reauthorize several critical wildlife and habitat bills through 2030. These include the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships program. The bill would also codify important new programs, such as the black vulture livestock protection program and make technical changes to the National Fish Habitat Partnership and board. As we know, in the Great Lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and other fish habitats are crucial in providing ecosystem services. They enhance water quality, offer essential habitat for fish and wildlife, mitigate coastal storm impacts, and improve water supply. To conserve and restore these environments, partnerships among Federal, State, and regional entities leverage their diverse resources, expertise, and capabilities to maximize their impacts. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act exemplifies a successful partnership-based program, utilizing non-Federal partnerships to protect and restore wetlands and related habitats. This is one of the most cost-effective conservation programs out there, where more than $3 in non-Federal contributions are made for every Federal dollar invested. Similarly, the Chesapeake Bay Program brings together stakeholders, academic institutions, and local governments to collaboratively restore and preserve the Chesapeake Bay. The bay provides over $130 billion annually in natural benefits, including improved air, water, and soil quality as well as critical fisheries habitat. Additionally, the National Fish Habitat Partnership unites 20 regional fish habitat partnerships to restore aquatic ecosystems' health. Since its inception in 2006, the partnership has rehabilitated tens of thousands of acres of freshwater habitat and over 2,000 miles of rivers, generating more than $1 billion in economic value. Finally, the amendments to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation authorization will help the foundation and Federal agencies better align priorities, report on the status of programs, and help grantees run their programs efficiently. I am proud to support the bipartisan effort to reauthorize these essential wildlife conservation programs. These efforts are critical steps toward addressing the Nation's growing biodiversity crisis. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. While we are on the topic of conservation, I thank my colleagues for working with Democrats not just on this conservation bill but also on the WILD Act, which I am pleased to hear will be included in the NDAA this month. Like the bill before us today, the WILD Act is a bipartisan effort to maximize conservation impacts through partnerships; specifically, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds, which help conserve iconic wildlife species, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, great apes, and turtles, and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which supports habitat restoration efforts across the United States, including the territories. I am pleased to be the Democratic co-lead of the WILD Act, and I thank my Republican colleague, Representative Joyce of Ohio, for his partnership. I hope all of us can continue finding ways to work together on conservation and other issues, just like we are doing today with the ACE Reauthorization Act. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, introduced by my colleague from Hawaii, Representative Tokuda. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to determine the suitability of designating Lahaina, in Maui County, Hawaii, as a national heritage area. It is the historical capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and a significant area for Native Hawaiians' history and culture. Today, it still serves as a significant site for Native Hawaiians but also is a vital economic and touristic hub for the island of Maui. However, in August of 2023, Maui experienced a series of deadly wildfires that took over 100 lives, destroyed thousands of buildings and historic cultural landmarks, and displaced thousands of people. More than a year later, recovery efforts are still underway and are expected to exceed tens of billions of dollars. Mr. Speaker, designating this national heritage area would help preserve Lahaina's rich cultural heritage and support recovery efforts by unlocking Federal funding to rehabilitate important sites and establish exhibits, programming, and other public awareness initiatives. I would like to thank the majority for working with us on this bill. It is an important link to the past as the community of Lahaina rebuilds and ensures their heritage lives on. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this bill, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Tokuda).

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6843, a bill introduced by our colleague and my friend from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise). The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area was established by Congress in 2006. It is known for its rich cultures and ecologically varied regions. It stretches across 14 parishes in southern Louisiana, where it helps preserve and promote Cajun culture and the area's diverse abundance of wildlife and natural history. This bill would expand the current boundaries of the national heritage area to encompass the Lafourche Parish in southern Louisiana. The National Park Service studied and approved the expansion, making this an easy bill to support. National heritage areas preserve landscapes of significant importance to communities through natural, cultural, and historical resources. These areas also serve communities by providing recreational and economic opportunities. Expanding the boundary's areas will promote grassroots conservation efforts and expand economic opportunities in those regions. This is a win-win. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act introduced by Representative Stefanik of New York. This bill would add the remaining portion of Saratoga County and Washington County in New York to the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. First designated in 1996, this heritage area preserves and celebrates the nationally significant, cultural, and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley, including the significance of the location during the American Revolutionary War. As a Member of this House, Representative Hinchey fiercely advocated for the success and growth of the heritage area throughout his career. His leadership and dedication made such an incredible mark that Congress chose to designate the area in his honor after he tragically passed away in 2017. This bill is a fitting way to continue the success of the heritage area and honor his legacy. I urge support for this bill. I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Genesis of Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Housing both a Jewish and a Episcopal congregation, Genesis of Ann Arbor exemplifies interfaith understanding, cooperation, and friendship. For the past five decades, Genesis has been a beacon of hope, tolerance, and community in southeast Michigan. In 1969, Temple Beth Emeth moved into the building housing St. Clare's Episcopal Church. While their relationship was always harmonious, by 1974, the members of Temple Beth Emeth felt that their congregation had grown large enough to warrant its own synagogue. St. Clare's Reverend, Doug Evett, offered to Temple Beth Emeth's Rabbi, Bruce Warshal, that the two congregations become one legal entity. The offer was accepted, and Genesis of Ann Arbor was founded in 1975. From the time that the two congregations began their relationship, Genesis of Ann Arbor was a ray of light during the tumultuous 1960's and 1970's. The congregations continued to grow, and Temple Beth Emeth is now the largest Jewish congregation in Washtenaw County, Michigan. These congregations were, and still are, a reminder that whatever their differences may be, two communities can come together around an understanding of shared principles. This includes an annual pulpit exchange between the two congregations' clergy as well as a joint Thanksgiving service. Every year over Thanksgiving, they jointly host the Rotating Shelter, which provides a weeklong overnight shelter for men experiencing homelessness. A local non-profit food bank, Food Gatherers, has hosted its Back Door Food Pantry there for several years, where members of both the church and the synagogue donate to and volunteer at the food pantry. Since its founding, Genesis of Ann Arbor has shown that the joining of two congregations can reinforce common values while maintaining distinct religious traditions. Over the decades, the members of Genesis have fought for a wide range of goals rooted in those values, from advancing racial justice to combating the climate crisis. Their commitment to the environment is proven by only using renewable energy to power the building by the large solar panel array they had installed on their roof as well as switching from gas heat to geothermal heating and cooling. Two years ago, the congregations organized their first annual Ann Arbor Climate Teach-In at Genesis. The event served as an opportunity to draw environmental advocates together to discuss important climate issues, and I have sincerely enjoyed participating both years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Genesis of Ann Arbor. Its members represent the spirit of America, serving their community and promoting peace, and understanding, all while worshipping in their own way. We wish them the best in the years to come.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delphine Klaput of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her century of service to her family, community, and Nation is worthy of commendation. Delphine was born on November 23, 1924, in the small coal mining town of Cadogan, Pennsylvania. She was aware of the nastiness of war as her father, Angelo, served during World War I and was exposed to mustard gas, suffering side-effects from that exposure for the rest of his life. Delphine met her future husband, George, while in high school. George and his twin brother, Joseph, joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 where they flew missions over Europe as gunners in B-17 bombers during World War II. During that time, Delphine dropped out of high school and moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to live with her uncle. Delphine's uncle got her a position as a classified documents clerk at the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company, where her daily duties consisted of keeping track of plans and small parts for the aircraft and distributing them to the appropriate people in the plant. Some of the plans she ferried around were classified as top secret. Delphine and George were married in 1944 when he returned from Europe. They moved to Denver, Colorado, when George was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base. After a short stop in Greenville, Mississippi, they moved back to Cadogan, where their first three children, Sandra. Jerry, and Diana, were born. In 1952, George and Delphine moved their family to Royal Oak, Michigan, where they had two more children, Cheryl and Mary Jane. Delphine was a stay-at-home mom while their children were growing up and sewed clothes and crocheted in her spare time. When her children were older, she took a job at the local clothes cleaner doing alterations. She also started volunteering at the nearby senior center. In her mid-70s, Delphine went to work at Costco doing demonstrations for 16 years. In April of this year, Delphine along with a delegation of 27 original Rosies went to Washington, DC, where they were presented with Congressional Gold Medals, honoring all Rosie the Riveters for their service during World War II. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th birthday of Delphine Klaput, a woman who answered the call of duty at the tender age of 18 and served our country with dignity in its darkest hours. We thank her for her service and wish her much laughter and blessings in her 101st year.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Councilwoman Karen George of Southgate, Michigan, as she is inducted into the Southgate Parks and Rec Hall of Fame this evening. Her decades of service to her community are worthy of commendation. Karen first served on the Southgate City Council from 1983 to 1999. During this time she was the Council Liaison to many Boards, Commissions, and to the Southgate Community School District. After her retirement as an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University, many residents urged her to run for City Council again. In her second term as Councilwoman, Karen is currently serving as Council Liaison to the Library Commission and the City Beautiful Commission. In addition to her leadership chairing community events and working tirelessly to strengthen programs and services in Southgate, Karen is also legendary for her many and varied contributions to sports in the Southgate Community. An accomplished softball player herself, she coached and financially sponsored girl's softball for over thirty years. Karen believes that sports play a vital role in giving girls a strong sense of worth, a feeling of belonging, and provides discipline that extends off the field of play. She also helped organize the Southgate Men's Senior Citizen Softball team, which she managed for six years, as well as the Downriver Women's Softball League. Karen is a storied athlete herself, having competed in the Downriver Senior Olympics for many years and earning 25 medals for her city. A gun enthusiast, she competed in pistol matches hosted by the Southgate and Taylor police departments and took 1st place in the 1989 Women's Division. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Councilwoman Karen George for all of her contributions to the sporting world in Southgate, Michigan. Her dedication over decades has led to a more cohesive and healthier community for all who live there.