Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I have nothing but the utmost respect for my colleague from Alaska. I actually think that he and my spouse share the same sportsmanship policies of hunting, but this rule just simplifies and updates procedures for closing an area or restricting an activity. It updates obsolete subsistence regulations and it prohibits very specifically some of these things that I spoke about. I think we will respectfully disagree. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, with nothing but the deepest respect for my colleague from Alaska--and I even want to tell him, I was afraid to stand up without getting clearance from one of your other good friends, the resident hunter in my household--but this amendment is yet another attempt to allow a State to override perfectly reasonable conservation policies on U.S. public lands. This amendment would prevent the Park Service from managing wildlife on these lands, even though they are owned by the American taxpayers, not by the State of Alaska. Of particular concern is Alaska's policy of eradicating keystone predator species. Because of this policy, allowing wolves and bears to seek refuge on these Park Service lands may be the only way to keep them from requiring protection under the Endangered Species Act. I want to be clear about what this rule does and does not do. It does not deny access to hunting. This rule does not reduce hunting in the national preserves in Alaska, period. In fact, it keeps existing hunting rules in place. What the rule does do is ban some of the most inhumane and ecologically damaging forms of hunting, things that a true sportsman would never do anyway. Let me share examples. This rule would prevent spotlighting black bears and shooting them and their cubs, babies in their den. It would prevent using bait to attract and kill bears. It would prevent killing wolves during their denning season. Again, babies. And it would prevent the killing of caribou from a motorboat while under power. Yes, if a deer is swimming and you go after it in a boat, it would prevent that caribou that is swimming from being shot. If you think people should be allowed to do any of these what I think are unsportsmanlike things, then this amendment is for you. But if you are like most Americans, you will be deeply disturbed by these practices and will join me in opposing this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dana Nessel, whose commitment to justice and equality has impacted the people of Michigan and citizens across the United States. Dana is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School and spent more than a decade working as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Wayne County, serving much of her tenure in special assignment units. She specialized in domestic homicides, child physical and sexual abuse cases, and investigations into police shootings and in-custody deaths of civilians She is currently managing partner at Nessel and Kessel in Detroit, where she specializes in criminal defense and family law. In 2012, Dana championed the cause of marriage equality by initiating the case which challenged Michigan's ban on same-sex second party adoption, the case which would ultimately bring this important issue before the Supreme Court. The landmark decision of this case granted the dignity so many sought for so long: the right to commit to the person they love. Today, Dana continues to defend the rights of the LGBT community by pushing for protections against discrimination in state law across the country. Dana is this year's recipient of the Honorable Kaye Tertzag Purple Sport Coat Award. Given to those, who, like Judge Tertzag, show devotion and service to our Michigan community, Dana exemplifies his well-known motto: ``Be Prompt. Be Prepared. Be Polite.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Dana Nessel for her service to Michigan and our nation and wish her many years of success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4470, the Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Act. This legislation will help ensure no community in America ever experiences what is happening in Flint by ensuring that federal and state regulators promptly notify a local community if there are elevated levels of lead in their water systems. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to notify a local water system if EPA receives data indicating high lead levels in the water. The local water system must immediately notify their customers, and if they do not act quickly then EPA must notify local residents themselves. It is critical that a community is immediately notified when there is a problem with their drinking water. Transparency is essential to ensuring water lead contamination never poisons another community, and this bill helps us achieve this important goal. The facts about the Flint crisis are being gathered right now through multiple investigations, and every person responsible must be held accountable for the lack of appropriate action. Government at every level failed the people of Flint, but this is a man-made disaster led by the state of Michigan, and we must take action at the federal level to prevent this from ever happening again. Every Member of the Michigan delegation co-sponsored this bill, and we thank our colleagues Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton for their good work on it. This is an example of what can happen when we work together to solve the problems facing our nation, and we need more of it. Clean water is one of the most fundamental, basic rights we should guarantee anyone living in America. I urge all of my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ronald Reed of Taylor, Michigan. A Vietnam veteran and retiree of General Motors, where he spent 42 years, Mr. Reed has been donating blood since his early days as a young Marine in Okinawa, Japan. During the last 35 years, Ronald has donated blood nearly 200 times-- impacting the lives of close to 600 people. Each blood donation has the ability to touch up to three lives, and his selflessness is an inspiration for all of us. Few Americans can say they have touched that many lives. Blood donations here in the United States are incredibly important, and we face a constant struggle to prevent shortages of available blood. The average able donor gives about 1.2 times annually. If others followed the leadership of Mr. Reed and gave two or more times a year, we would not face the frightening need particularly in times of bad weather and holidays. Mr. Reed's above and beyond level of donation is truly remarkable and deserves recognition. When it comes to his service to his fellow man, Ronald is an extremely modest man. He says he simply gives because he can. In my opinion, Mr. Reed fully embodies the American spirit as both a veteran and a hard and loyal worker, giving his own blood to help those in his community. A volunteer at a Riverview Red Cross location in 2011 observed that Ronald is ``an unsung hero''. It is for this reason Mr. Speaker, that I ask my colleagues today to join me in honoring Ronald Reed for his generous contributions. I thank him not only for his overwhelming donation of blood, but also for his years of service in the auto industry as a millwright, as well as his service to our country as a Marine.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Kay Beard for her lifetime of distinguished service to our county and our state. Kay's commitment to our community has enriched the lives of so many and helped guide many of today's leaders in our region towards greater success. Kay was born in Detroit in 1921 and had a reputation as a proud and feisty Irish American. In 1946, Kay married the late Jerry Beard after he returned from World War II and together, they raised five children. With her strong focus on family and community, Kay became more involved in politics joining Citizens for Educational Freedom and eventually running unsuccessfully for State Representative. Undeterred, Kay kept at it and in 1978 was appointed to the Wayne County Commission where she was then elected to fifteen consecutive terms, until her retirement in 2008. During that time, Kay developed a reputation as an outspoken force to be reckoned with in Wayne County Government. She cared deeply about serving the constituents of her district, and did so with distinction for thirty years. Kay was a beloved mother of five, grandmother of three, sister, and a loving wife to her late husband Jerry. Kay was deeply involved in a wide array of community initiatives including the United Way Community Services Board, the Blue Cross Senior Advisory Council, the National Council for School-to-Work Opportunities, and was a founding member of Hospices of Michigan, just to name a few. She did this work because it was good for the community and in doing so; she set an example for what it meant to be a committed public servant of the highest order. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Mrs. Kay Beard for her lifetime of service to our community. I considered her a friend and a role model, and while her service to us will be remembered, her loss will be felt for a long time to come.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for helping to organize this as well as the leadership of Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and Congressman Dan Kildee, who is fighting for the people of his district. Madam Speaker, the first responsibility of government is to keep the American people safe, and it is clear that the government at every level failed the people of Flint. Clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right. Now we need to focus on the people of Flint first, the men and women and children, and what is happening there. The most immediate need which we are still struggling with is what they need. People have been donating bottled water, but in Flint, mothers don't know what is safe and what is not safe because they are still getting conflicting information as to whether the water is safe to bathe in. They have rashes that no one can talk about. We have a Governor who says if he had grandchildren, it would be safe, and an attorney general who is saying if he had children in Flint, he wouldn't let them bathe. They don't even know what is safe. We need to make sure that we are taking care of people, that they have access and clean water. These families have no transportation. They have set up water sites at five firehouses, and yet we don't think about it because we are so lucky. These people don't have transportation. Many of them have no way to get there. They are allowed one case of water a day. Now, think about that. If you are trying to bathe your children and you don't know if tap water is safe or if the filter is there. Think about if you are cooking spaghetti, a very common meal, you need bottled water to just cook the spaghetti. So we really need to think about the people of Flint and what it means to their daily life. Secondly, we need to determine what it is they need long term, figure out the resources they need and all work together to get them. As my colleagues have so eloquently said--Mr. Kildee, Mrs. Lawrence--who is accountable? Hold people accountable and make sure this never happens again in America. But having said that, there are 153,000 water systems in this country. Very bad decisions were made that made a community totally toxic. As my colleague Mr. Kildee said, not only do we have to fix the infrastructure, but we have almost 10,000 children who are going to need Head Start, they are going to need access for resources for probably a lifetime, for decades for health care, et cetera. How are we going to ensure that they have it? But how are we going to make sure that we are addressing this problem across the country and making sure it never happens again? We need to make sure that our government at every level never fails another community again. The bringing of this tonight, the talking that all of us are doing, may we all work together to fix this manmade crisis and make sure we keep America safe for every other community.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joann Gonyea for her 31 years of service in the Parks and Recreation Department of Trenton, Michigan. Joann began her career with the City of Trenton Parks and Recreation Department as a Program Coordinator in 1985. She became the Assistant Director in 1990 and served in that role for 20 years before being appointed Director in 2011. Many of the events and activities for which Trenton has become known started with Joann. During an internship with Wayne County Parks 31 years ago, she designed the ``Somewhere in Time'' event which captures the spirit of the iconic Elizabeth Park in the early 1900's and engages residents with the history of their city. Joann has also been the driving force behind the ``Community Builds'' program and the ``Healthy Trenton Initiative'' which both promote healthy and active lifestyles by emphasizing teamwork. Joann is instrumental in the success of community events in Trenton and is well known for her ability to organize and inspire volunteers. Many projects, including the recent addition of a playground to Affholter Park, are finished in record time due to the groundswell of community support Joann encourages. It's because she practices what she preaches, and generously dedicates her time to organizations throughout the Downriver community, such as the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance where she serves as a board member. Joann is part of the heart and soul of Trenton, Michigan and the Downrivers. Tonight, we recognize Joann with the Duane Brannick award for outstanding service to the city, an award which is annually given to leaders in the city that go above and beyond. I know that Joann is the perfect recipient of this prestigious award and I am proud to call her a friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Joann Gonyea for her 31 years of service to the city of Trenton. I thank her for her leadership, and wish her many years of success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fred Eaton for his twenty years of service with Comcast and his commitment to expanding access to media across Southeast Michigan. A native of Chicago, Fred attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where he majored in Radio and Television. After college, Fred went to work for southern Illinois' Mt. Vernon Register- News, writing articles by day and rewriting them for the evening news by night. It was during this time that Fred pioneered advances in the ``Eyewitness News'' format. Fred moved to Michigan with his wife, Mary, and daughter, Virginia, taking up an editor post at the Adrian Daily Telegram. Always generous with his time and expertise, Fred consulted for the Lenawee County Democratic Party before going on to serve the public interest working with Congressman John Dingell. It was no surprise to any when Comcast asked Fred to be their man in Southeast Michigan. As the company has grown, so too has Fred's engagement in the community. During his time with Comcast, Fred has been involved with numerous community organizations. He has served as a board member of The Guidance Center and the International Association for Organ Donation, as a founding member of Everybody Ready! and as chairman of the Great Start Collaborative for Wayne County. Fred has also served on the boards of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, and the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chambers of Commerce. Our communities have been truly enriched by Fred's commitment. When there was a need some place, Fred was always the first to say ``how do we help?'' An event didn't feel complete if Fred wasn't there. Most striking was his outlook on life--always smiling, always positive and always seeing the glass half full. He is leaving our community, and his departure will create a hole in many hearts. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Fred Eaton for his service to our community. I thank him for his leadership and wish him many years of happiness ahead of him.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Debbie Locke-Daniel and her many years of service to the City of Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County. Mrs. Locke-Daniel served as the President and CEO of the Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit YPSI) where she used her business acumen to help successfully market the Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor area as a destination for numerous meetings, events and conventions. Known for her relentless work ethic and leadership talents, Mrs. Locke-Daniel has enabled the Ypsilanti area to grow its economy and promote its strengths across Michigan and the nation. Mrs. Locke-Daniel is a true community leader and has served on numerous boards including a leadership role as Past Chair of the MotorCities National Area Partnership which works to cultivate an appreciation for the rich heritage of Michigan's auto industry. Mrs. Locke-Daniel also served as Vice President of the Board for the Ypsilanti Wheels on Meals, which delivers prepared meals to homebound, disabled, and infirmed residents, and earned the 2012 Ypsilanti Kiwanis Community Service Award for her efforts. In addition, she has been a board member of both the Marnee Divine Foundation (Catholic Social Services in Washtenaw County) and the Michigan Firehouse Museum. Visit YPSI is more than a tourism agency; it is a vehicle for economic and community development. For many years, this organization has awarded grants to small communities such as Manchester, Dexter, and Superior Township. These grants have been used to create town entry signs, public maps, and landscaping alterations with the hope of increased tourism activity. Without Mrs. Locke-Daniel's vision and stewardship of funds, many communities would not have had the ability to further their own economic growth projects which is critical to the success of our region. One of the remarkable achievements of Visit YPSI was its receipt of the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program designation. This international accreditation recognizes entities for their high level performance in destination marketing and management. To date, only one percent of convention and visitors bureaus within Michigan, and seven percent nationally, have earned this prestigious recognition. Mrs. Locke-Daniel was largely responsible for forming a team which was able to create a body of work that met such stringent international standards. Described as the ultimate team player, the success of Visit YPSI has been attributed to her ability to empower staff to seek creative solutions and grow within their positions. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor and congratulate Mrs. Debbie Locke-Daniel on her retirement and years of service to her community. Although she will be missed, her achievements will continue to have a positive impact on our community for years to come.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Henry Ford Health System on their 100th anniversary. Originating from Detroit General Hospital, namesake Henry Ford became the sole investor in 1914 and coupled his entrepreneurial spirit with medical innovation. Admitting its first patient in 1915, Henry Ford Hospital was so successful in meeting the needs of a city in the midst of a population boom that by 1917 it had already expanded to its current size. In its early days, the hospital revolutionized wait times, reducing them to 30 minutes for a patient to be seen, and opened the nation's first ward for treating chemical dependency. It developed new techniques in the fields of surgery and physical therapy. The excellent quality of care at Henry Ford Hospital would even later inspire works of art from visionaries like Diego Rivera. Beyond the positive impact Henry Ford Hospital has had on Michigan, it has also rendered invaluable service to our country by serving as an army hospital during World War II and caring for our soldiers upon their return. Henry Ford Health System and its partners have pioneered a broad range of medical knowledge, from bone research to kidney transplants to treatment of high blood pressure to robotic surgery. While innovation may be the driving force behind the success of the Henry Ford Health System, they have never lost focus of the top priority: people. In 2008, they launched the No Harm campaign which, over the course of the next three years, reduced surgical complications, decreased length of stay, and trimmed medical costs by 10 million dollars. Their good stewardship is felt by over 89,000 patients a year in the five-county area, a number that is very impressive for a hospital system that started with 48 beds. Henry Ford Health System's commitment to and investment in the Detroit metropolitan communities are immeasurable. In 2011, Henry Ford Health System was one of only 4 recipients to receive a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, America's highest honor for innovation and performance excellence. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 23,000 employees of Henry Ford Health System and congratulating them on their 100th anniversary and wish them many more years of success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with nothing but the utmost respect for my colleague from Michigan and agree with her on the need to address currency manipulation. Mr. Speaker, when the Committee on Ways and Means first began considering this bill, it represented a real opportunity to improve our system of trade and eliminate loopholes that allow foreign nations and bad actors to avoid our trade laws. Currency manipulation is the number one trade abuse that must be addressed. Unfortunately, this bill has become the Christmas tree of the holiday season, and it is being used to put lipstick on the pig that is our current trade negotiations. It ties our negotiators' hands on even negotiating common emissions standards by restricting any consideration of climate issues, and it prevents them from negotiating immigration- related language as well. Further, it weakens existing trade laws designed to prevent human trafficking. The ribbon on this Christmas surprise is a totally new provision on Internet taxation that isn't even in the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means and could have unintended consequences that could bankrupt local governments. There are good provisions at the core of this bill to help improve our Customs system, but they are outweighed by the political gamesmanship that has made this legislation impossible to support. We have seen far too many other examples of last-minute political provisions inserted in bills over the years, and we risk unintended consequences of these political provisions as well.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate WEMU 89.1 radio station on their 50th Anniversary. As a Member of Congress and a long-time listener and supporter, it is my honor and privilege to recognize their commitment to providing first class news and entertainment to our community. Founded on December 8, 1965, WEMU 89.1 began its broadcasting service from the Quirk Building for Eastern Michigan University with the goal of delivering local news and showcasing jazz, blues, and community musicians. Since then, WEMU has grown into one of the most popular news and entertainment stations serving the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. WEMU is an affiliate of National Public Radio, which allows the station to provide first rate national news and programming while continuing to maintain its focus on the community and region it calls home. WEMU has become a part of the fabric of our southeast Michigan community. Over the course of fifty years, they have transformed themselves from a small university radio station into a go-to destination for balanced, informative news and entertainment. In an age of media consolidation, they have maintained their commitment to meaningful local news coverage focused on the people, issues and events that make our region tick. Their dedication to fair and honest reporting of the news and promoting local music and artists has had a profound positive impact on our region, and we cannot thank them enough for their commitment to this important work. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor WEMU 89.1 on their 50th Anniversary and to wish them many more years of success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ismael Ahmed for his extraordinary career in service to our community. Ish, as he is known by friends, family and colleagues, has enriched the lives of so many in our region through his tireless, collaborative efforts for understanding and civil rights. Born in 1947 in New York, Ish and his family moved to the Detroit area when he was six. After graduating from Dearborn's Fordson High School, he set off to explore the world, working as a deck hand on freighters. Eventually Ish returned to Dearborn, where he gained employment at the Ford Rouge plant and worked his way through college, first at Henry Ford Community College, then graduating from University of Michigan Dearborn. After his graduation, Ish became involved in his community, organizing workers and seeking justice in his community. In 1971, along with a dedicated group of volunteers and activists, Ish co-founded ACCESS the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services in a storefront in Dearborn's south end, to help assist the Arab immigrant population as they adapted to life in the U.S. In 1983, he was appointed as Executive Director of ACCESS and worked diligently on its programming and growth. Today, ACCESS is the largest Arab American human services nonprofit in the country, serving nearly 900,000 people through more than 100 programs aimed at supporting economic, health, social, and educational needs. For this reason among others, Ish is recognized as a national Arab American and civil rights leader committed to ending hatred and bigotry and seeking justice for all Americans. In 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Ish as the director of the Michigan Department of Human Services, where he successfully led the state's second largest department for three years. As Department of Human Services' director, he served on the Michigan State Housing Development Authority board and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation executive committee. In 2011, Ish returned to the University of Michigan Dearborn and has served as the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Associate Provost for Metropolitan Impact. In this role, Ish has built bridges and made major positive impacts in our region. Ish has also generously given his time and support to a wide array of Southeast Michigan organizations further establishing him as a critical leader in a wide array of community, political, non-profit and cultural institutions such as: the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, United Way, Reading Works, the Arab American National Museum, Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents, Arab American Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, University of Michigan Citizens Advisory Board, Fair Food Network, and the New Detroit Coalition. Most remarkably, Ish's family has graciously shared his talents and time with our community. He is a loving husband to his wife Margaret, father to his five children, and grandfather to two. I know in his retirement he is looking forward to spending more time with them. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Ismael Ahmed for his lifetime of service and lasting impact on our region and country. We thank him for his leadership, and wish him many years of happiness and success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dearborn Optimist Club on their 75th Anniversary. As a Member of Congress, it is an honor and a privilege to recognize the great work they have done for the City of Dearborn. Founded on December 12, 1940, Optimist International chartered the Dearborn Optimist Club to serve the greater Dearborn Community. Since its founding, the Dearborn Optimists have devoted countless hours volunteering in the community by helping to expand access to quality education through its youth programs and scholarships. They have created collaborations between both the public and private schools and with numerous Dearborn public agencies, including the fire and police departments. Each year, the Dearborn Optimist holds art and essay contests to promote the creativity of our students, where the winners receive scholarship money for their college plans. They host the annual Dearborn Public Safety Awards to honor our fire and police departments and recognize extraordinary individual accomplishments. At the heart of their mission, the Dearborn Optimists have devoted themselves to community service and providing opportunities to enrich the lives of our youth of Dearborn. Their work for the City of Dearborn is truly appreciated and I know that we will see more of the same over the next 75 years of the group and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Dearborn Optimist Club on their 75th Anniversary and to wish them many more years of success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Wines Elementary School. For over fifty years, Wines Elementary School has benefited our community through its dedication to the education and development of Ann Arbor's youth. The U.S. Department of Education recognized this commitment by naming the school a 2015 National Blue Ribbon Award recipient. Founded in 1957, Wines Elementary School's mission is to ``create for every student a joyful environment that stimulates lifelong learning and inspires respect for individual differences.'' The school has actively worked to instill this mission by making community and family participation a cornerstone in the life of each student. Family volunteers organize community events such as the annual Run-a-Thon, in which students run laps around a track to raise money for charity, a movie night, and a country fair, as well as many other fun events. The school also partners with local charities and nursing homes to ensure students are provided opportunities to participate in and give back to their community. In addition to active community involvement, Wines Elementary School has worked to strengthen all of its students by focusing on each individual as a unique and capable learner. This has been done through the creation of personalized learning plans which ensures each teacher understands the special needs of their students. The hard work of students, teachers, and parents has resulted in excellent academic achievement. Their standardized tests scores have registered in the top 5% of all Michigan schools in combined measures of student achievement and growth. This earned the school the designation from the Michigan Department of Education as a Reward School and led the department to nominate the school for the National Blue Ribbon Award. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the teachers, students and parents of Wines Elementary School. Their multifaceted methods to prepare our children have created a vibrant community which will invigorate Ann Arbor for years to come.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greg Mahar, a community leader in southeast Michigan for decades. This month he will retire after twenty four years of service as Deputy Supervisor of Brownstown Township. Appointed to the role in 1992, Greg has supported and enjoyed the trust of three different township supervisors. His name is synonymous with Brownstown. In 1967, almost 50 years ago, Greg began his career in public service. The young man that tirelessly organized his community block club would one day literally put Brownstown on the map. From promoting business by identifying Brownstown on Interstate 75 signage; to negotiating money-saving contracts to promoting access to a transparent local government, there are few major projects in Brownstown that Greg has not been critical to their success. Every resident of Brownstown Township has been impacted by his tireless efforts. Greg has been a role model in this community because, as he puts it, helping people is just who he is. He has raised the funds for numerous local charities, and finds solutions for needs in the community that are not being met. Not only has he dedicated his time and resources to multiple efforts and programs, he even sacrificed his trademark mustache in support of a cure for leukemia. Now clean-shaven, Greg still serves as the go-to guy for anyone in the community who is trying to uplift their neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Mr. Greg Mahar for his twenty four years of service to Brownstown and his lasting impact on the Downriver communities. We thank him for his leadership, and wish him many years of happiness and success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Strategic Staffing Solutions and President and CEO Cindy Pasky on their 25th Anniversary. Their longevity as a company is a testament to their innovative services, the drive of their leaders, and the hard work of their employees. The mission of Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) is to build trusting relationships and deliver solutions that positively impact their customers, consultants, and community. This has been a mission that President and CEO Cindy Pasky and her team have proudly embodied for the past 25 years in Metro Detroit. They deserve to be commended for this milestone anniversary and for their contribution to the renaissance of Detroit. Founded in 1990, Cindy Pasky set out to create a company that would set the standard for service and community engagement and has succeeded in an extraordinary way. In the first year, S3 posted revenues over two million dollars and was employing over forty consultants and team experts; incredible growth for a start-up company. Today, S3 is one of the largest and fastest growing staffing firms in the country, employing over twenty seven hundred team members with offices across the United States and Europe. We are proud to have such a strong global company headquartered in Metro Detroit. The company has been a great success, but the impact that President and CEO Cindy Pasky has had on our region is almost immeasurable. Cindy is involved in a wide variety of regional collaborative and charitable organizations all with the goal of creating a more beautiful and prosperous Detroit region. In acknowledgement of her work, Cindy has been inducted to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame, named Michiganian of the year by the Detroit News and named a Woman of Achievement by Michigan WIPP. In addition, she is Founding Chair of the American- Lithuanian Business Council and serves on the Investor Advisory Committee of the Government of Lithuania. In sum, Cindy Pasky is considered among the most influential and accomplished people in our region and state, and I am fortunate that I can call her a friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Cindy Pasky and Strategic Staffing Solutions for 25 years of success, service and commitment.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 12th pastoral anniversary of Pastor and First Lady Hendricks. Pastor and First Lady Hendricks have continually served their community with passion and integrity. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Hendricks moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1969. For 35 years, he worked at General Motors, ultimately retiring as a journeyman pipefitter. Not long after moving to Ypsilanti, he joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church. It was not until 1996 that he heeded God's call into the ministry. In 2003, Pastor Hendricks was installed to lead St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Under the vision and leadership of Pastor and First Lady Hendricks, the church has experienced continued growth and innovation. The church building has been remodeled, and the empowerment of youth has manifested itself through the formation of Youth Church and Youth Choir. The strength of Pastor Hendricks' vision has included the expansion of his role through service in other leadership positions. In addition to his current ministry, he was called to serve as president of the Minister's Alliance, president of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Michigan, and First Vice Moderator of the Eastern Progressive Baptist District Association of Detroit and Vicinity. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the 12th anniversary of Pastor and First Lady Hendricks. This partnership has faithfully spread the Word and selflessly served their community.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Lenny Pitek for his service to the nation. The sacrifices he made while stationed in Germany from 1957-1960 and in the Army Reserve from 1960-1963 helped keep America safe, and the Dearborn community is better off because of his hard work over the years. Mr. Pitek's commitment to serve the Dearborn community for more than three decades is truly extraordinary. He is an active member of the American Legion Fort Dearborn Post 364, Polish Legion of American Veterans Chapter 75, and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC). He also served as a chaplain for the DAWVC and American Legion Post 364. Lenny is also an original member of the Ritual Team, which provides military honors at ceremonies and funerals to ensure that every veteran is laid to rest with the honor and dignity they deserve. As a result of his direct actions, military families find peace, veterans are comforted, and our military members are buried with honor. Based on this service, Mr. Pitek was selected by his military peers to receive the DAWVC 2015 Dearborn Veteran of the Year Award. Lenny Pitek is a longtime resident of Dearborn and lives there with his wife of 45 years, Dianne. Together, they raised three children; Anthony, Jennifer, and Monica, and they have three grandchildren. Mr. Pitek served as the past President of St. Martha's Dad's Club, where he helped organize Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts and raised money for families in need. He also volunteers at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center distributing Christmas gifts during the holiday season. Mr. Pitek is a true hero to veterans and to all families he reaches with his unwavering dedication to service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Mr. Leonard Pitek for his military service and inspiring dedication to veterans and the City of Dearborn.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fire Chief of Southgate, Michigan who is retiring this month after 27 years of service to the Southgate Fire Department, the last six as the City's Fire Chief. Since he first started with the department in 1988, Doug has been known for being temperate and hard-working. These traits have earned him the credibility to be a consensus builder in the community and enabled him to navigate the department through good times as well as challenging times. Embodying the idea that hard work pays off, Doug has climbed the ranks in the department all the way to the top. Becoming chief in 2009, Doug's ability to build relationships with the other area chiefs has had a profound impact on strengthening morale and improving safety in the Downriver communities. Doug has always been a member of the community first, and that's not going to change. He will continue to teach young firefighters at Schoolcraft College, preparing new teams of heroes to keep our communities safe. Doug serves as an excellent role model not only for these students, but in his newest and most important position: grandfather. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Chief Douglas Gildner for his twenty seven years of service and his lasting impact on the Downriver communities. I thank him for his leadership, and wish him many years of happiness.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tim Durand for his 20 years of service as mayor of Riverview, Michigan. First elected to office in 1987, Tim served a total of six years on the city council before being elected mayor in 1995. He has faithfully and honorably represented the citizens of Riverview for over 26 years, and his retirement is a huge loss to many. He has helped build Riverview into a thriving community, spearheading many projects, including the Riverview Municipal Building and the municipal boat launch, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, extensive senior citizen organized activities and 12 public parks. Often seen riding his bicycle, Tim is well-known for engaging citizens all over the city. He inspires participation in community efforts and leads by example, regularly sponsoring charity and booster events in Riverview. His commitment to the community is only matched by his dedication to his wife and two children, who have graciously shared Tim with us for more than two decades. Tim's positive impact on the community is not limited to the city of Riverview. He has been a pivotal member of the Downriver Community Conference, serving as a past chair of this important regional development organization. The Dean of mayors in downriver communities of Michigan, he served with over 100 mayors and supervisors from area communities during the time he was mayor. He was always supportive, kind, and encouraging. His dedication to regional cooperation has made our downriver communities safer, more efficient, and more prepared to deal with the challenges of the 21st Century. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Tim Durand for his 20 years of service as mayor of Riverview. I thank him for his leadership, and wish him many years of success.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, on November 8th, I will attend the commemoration services for Sir Michael Berry; an icon and leader in the Michigan community. Michael Berry was a son, a devoted father, a loving husband, and a pioneer in the community. Sir Michael Berry graduated from Fordson Junior College and Wayne College and in 1949, he became the first Muslim American to become a practicing attorney in the State of Michigan. He then formed a legal practice Berry, Hopson & Francis with his associates. In 1967, he won election to the Wayne County Road Commission, where he served for sixteen years, ten of which, he served as the chairman. Sir Michael Berry used his energy and enthusiasm to always give back to the community. He endowed a scholarship at the MSU College of Law, and he gave generously to so many of our great local universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions. Believing that education is a key to success, he was pivotal in the creation of the Michael Berry Career Center at the Dearborn Public schools and worked tireless to improve access to education for our children. Sir Michael Berry gave so much to the community over the years, without ever asking anything in return for himself. His hard work and continuous involvement with the Detroit Metro Airport inspired the Airport Authority to name the Berry international terminal in his honor. He was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition Organization and was given the Knight of the National Order of the Cedar of Lebanon which is considered one of the highest and most prestigious awards for his humanitarian aid to his homeland, and for which, he came to be called Sir Michael Berry. Perhaps the most lasting legacy that Sir Michael Berry leaves is on the people he mentored and people he loved. He was an activist, a mentor, and advisor to many. He helped mold several generations of educators, elected officials, attorneys, and other professionals. In our community, he was considered an icon, but to his family he was known as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great- grandfather. Based on the values of hard work, faith, and love, I know that his family will proudly carry on his legacy into the future. Mr. Speaker, Sir Michael Berry lived a life worth celebrating. No words can ease the loss that is felt by his family or this community, but we take solace in the knowledge that his example will live on for many generations. I ask my colleagues today to honor Sir Michael Berry on his extraordinary life and accomplishments.