Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Moroz, the Director of External Relations and Special Assistant to the President at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement. His longstanding dedication to education and the preservation of history is worthy of commendation. George got his start in public service with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, serving as Vice President for Development from 1989-1996. In that position, he was in charge of all fundraising activity and government relations for the organization. Armed with that experience, he then took up his position at The Henry Ford, where he has been a driving force in the growth and evolution of the museum over the last three decades. George's passion for enriching the lives of Michiganders is exemplified by his 27 years of dedication to The Henry Ford and the broader museum community. Throughout his career George worked tirelessly to advocate for the importance of museums such as The Henry Ford and worked with museum advocates on local, state, and national levels. His years of advocacy resulted in the longstanding partnership between the Michigan Museum Association and the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan, strengthening the relationship between these critical cultural markers. George worked tirelessly for 16 years with federal and state partners to bring the John Dingell Transit Station to its current location adjacent to The Henry Ford campus, creating opportunities for visitors from all over the country to access this national treasure. George further played a pivotal role in the restoration and creation of key community sites such as the Greenfield Village, Rouge Oxbow, and Central Farmer's Market Vegetable Shed that will provide enjoyment for generations to come. Recognizing a greater need for community engagement, Mr. Moroz created and oversaw the Diversity and Inclusion Centered Equity (DICE) initiative, laying the groundwork for Henry Ford's DEAI programming that continues today. These programs have worked to ensure Henry Ford serves as an inclusive cultural hub and carry on George's beliefs in collaboration and community building. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the many accomplishments of George Moroz over the last 30+ years. We thank him for his service, dedication, and leadership in advancing and preserving the cultural heritage of the State of Michigan, and wish him the best in retirement.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I use today to recognize Huron Valley PACE on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of their founding. Their contributions over the past ten years to improving the lives of the elderly in Washtenaw County are worthy of commendation. Huron Valley PACE was founded in 2014 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to provide medical and supportive services for the elderly in the greater Washtenaw County area. Their all-inclusive care, which is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, provides coverage for primary and specialty care, prescription drugs, medical transportation, hospital visits, dental care, medical equipment, home care, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Their extensive range of services have notably helped support hundreds of low-income adults with housing, living, and medical expenses, and their dedication to serving their community is admirable. Over the past decade, Huron Valley PACE has been a proactive member of the local community, setting up events such as Super Bowl watch parties, heart disease awareness drives, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service projects in partnership with other local organizations. In addition to caring for the elderly in Washtenaw County, Huron Valley PACE also works to instill a commitment to public service in local high school and university students by offering hands- on volunteer opportunities for students. Volunteers distribute hot meals to underserved communities, lead food drives, and raise awareness about senior care. Part of Huron Valley PACE's proactive approach to providing exceptional care for the elderly includes advocating for expanding comprehensive senior care services like the PACE Expanded Act. At the state level, Huron Valley PACE works with the Michigan State Legislature to reduce the cost of medical care and to find innovative ways to help elderly people remain living in their homes. This advocacy is yet another example of how Huron Valley PACE continues to demonstrate their commitment to providing and advocating for quality and affordable elderly care. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the founding of Huron Valley PACE on their 10th anniversary. They have had a tremendous impact on the Washtenaw County area and continue to find exciting ways to continue improving their services to their community, and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish over the next decade.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Raul Perdomo, a longtime resident of Southeast Michigan and a veteran of the Vietnam War, and to grieve his passing. His service to our country, both in the military and afterward, is worthy of commendation. Born on September 28, 1944, in Caracas, Venezuela, Raul moved to Dearborn, Michigan, at the age of 16. Following his graduation from Dearborn High, he became a naturalized citizen and answered our nation's highest calling when he joined the United States Navy to serve in the Vietnam War. This set the stage for a lifetime of service to his community and to his country. After his military service, Raul returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and enrolled at the University of Michigan where he studied anthropology before studying business at Eastern Michigan University. As a graduate of the University of Michigan, Raul was one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the Wolverines. His hearty ``Go Blue!'' and love for the Maize and Blue was known by anyone who met him, whether through his 40 years of work for the University of Michigan Athletics Department, as President of the U-M Club of Tampa Bay, the Central Cafe and Beer Depot in Ann Arbor, or during his time helping run the Ann Arbor Community Recreation and Education Center. Public service remained at the forefront of Raul's life, and even after retiring from the military. he remained just as committed to serving his community, which included 20 years of research and tenure on the Institutional Review Board at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital, and as a patient advocate as the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the life of Raul to our nation. A naturalized citizen answering his country's highest calling, he served his country with bravery and honor in the Vietnam War before continuing to serve his local communities after leaving the military, bringing joy, enthusiasm, and love to everyone he met along the way.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan on the 100th anniversary of their founding. The support and care that they have shown to our veterans and our community over the last century is worthy of commendation. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States dates back to September 29, 1899, when it was founded in Columbus, Ohio following the return of Americans from the campaign in the Spanish-American war. Founded by a small group of veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded to build upon them a spirit of comradeship only known to those who faced the dangers of war fighting side-by-side. Post 1136 has a long and notable history of service. Throughout World War II, the Post sent gifts and home newspapers to the men and women serving all over the United States and the world. They continued serving the veterans as they returned home, creating a special Ritual Team to escort the returning bodies of their fallen comrades and to conduct military funerals. Although the Ritual Team was disbanded, in the late fifties, the Service Officer Burial Detail was formed and became known as the ``Wyandotte Honor Guard.'' They still serve their fallen comrades even today. Post 1136 grew to over 1,000 members on March 25, 1970, at the height of the Vietnam War. Throughout war time, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting our troops at home and abroad. With financial struggles and lower membership following the Vietnam War, Post 1136 gained strength once again as the United States liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. Renewed efforts by the post allowed for continued campaigns of support for our troops abroad, with Post 1136 donating food, toiletries, cigarettes, and other items in short supply to those on the battlefield. Over the decades since its founding, Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan has continued to give back to its community by hosting an annual 4th of July parade that it first started in 1939, memorial services for those lost in the September 11th attacks, charity fundraisers, and the construction of memorials for the brave heroes who lost their lives in the Vietnam War along the main boulevard that features inscriptions and poems written by community members. Committed to the cause of helping our service members, Post 1136 admirably helps veterans with health issues gain access to a variety of medical and social benefits and become comfortable at home following their return from combat. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan. For the last century, their members have continued serving their community well after being out of uniform. We thank them for their service, both at home and abroad, and are excited to see what they can accomplish over the next 100 years.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Lambe on the occasion of his retirement from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. His significant service to the Great Lakes and surrounding communities during his lengthy career is worthy of commendation. Bob Lambe has been focused on serving and protecting our environment throughout his career. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario and is an Electronic Engineering Technology graduate from the Cabot Institute of Applied Arts and Technology. Bob had a 35-year career within the Public Service of Canada. For 6 years, Bob served as the Regional Director General for the Central and Arctic regions. Bob was also appointed as the first Executive Director for the Invasive Species Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, which focuses on research, mitigation and response planning, and rehabilitation efforts to combat invasive species that hurt Canada's ecosystems. In these roles, Bob has exhibited a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to natural resource management, and his true passion and dedication for protecting and conserving our aquatic ecosystems is clear. Most notably, in 2013 Bob Lambe joined the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, a binational organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here he served as executive secretary for over a decade, as well as commissioner and chair of the Commission. Bob's work was invaluable, and focused on appropriations, infrastructure, and strengthening relationships with other organizations. Bob was also a board member for the North American Invasive Species Network, and the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network. In all these positions, Bob worked tirelessly to serve the organizations and their ability to serve the Great Lakes. He emphasized the importance of protecting and sustaining fisheries in the Great Lakes Basin and applying the wealth of knowledge he gained from his career to improve the commission. During his time with the commission, Bob received high accolades and praise, including a Distinguished Service Award from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University, for his dedication to conservation and facilitation of effective cooperative fisheries management. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bob Lambe for his lifetime of public service. His commitment to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has made a lasting change to the conservation efforts of this organization and will not soon be forgotten. Throughout his career, Bob has remained reliable and genuine in his work to protect our environment. I join Bob Lambe's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Bryan Szostak on the occasion of his retirement from the Canton Police Department after 25 years of service to the city of Canton, Michigan. His decades of service to our community is worthy of commendation. Officer Szostak joined the Canton Police Department in 1999 and has served as a midnight shift officer ever since. For the past 24 years, he has been a member of the department's Honor Guard as one of the founding members and leader, with which he has participated in Posting of the Colors for ceremonies across the state and funeral services for fallen officers. Officer Szostak also served the community's youth as a veteran advisor for the Explorer Unit, a program for teenagers interested in law enforcement. In these roles, Officer Szostak has showed his emphatic commitment to the units he has been involved in. Most notably, Officer Szostak has been a committed Canine Officer for the past 20 years. His loyalty and passion for this program has been exemplified in his love for his current canine partner Ragnar, who is retiring alongside Officer Szostak, as well as his two previous canine partners, Poncho and Hoss. In this role, Officer Szostak has set new standards for training and policing, which will not soon be forgotten. Over the course of his extensive career, Officer Szostak earned many department awards, in addition to citizen recognitions for his service and commitmment to improving the city. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Officer Bryan Szostak for his remarkable 25 years of service. His commitment to the canine program, Canton Police Department, and the City of Canton has been dedicated to the safety and improvement of the community. I join Officer Szostak's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2882. This bill will reauthorize the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Trust Fund. The Udall Foundation was established as an independent Federal agency in 1992 by Congress in honor of Mo Udall's contributions to our Nation's public lands and natural resources and his support for Tribal self-determination. In 2009, Congress honored Stewart Udall in the name of the Foundation alongside his brother. The Udall Foundation's impact is monumental in supporting the next generation of environmental and Tribal policy leaders. From the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution to the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy, the Foundation serves a critical role in shaping public policy. In addition, the Foundation supports several educational programs, such as the Parks in Focus program, fellowships, scholarships, and congressional internships. H.R. 2882 will ensure the Foundation remains an essential partner in Tribal and environmental education. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the 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. 1727, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act, introduced by my colleague from Maryland, Representative Trone. Once a transportation route from Maryland to Washington, D.C., the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park now serves as an area full of recreational opportunities, while maintaining the historical structures of the old transportation route. The park is comprised of 184 miles along the Potomac River, hosting over 5 million visitors annually. The bill before us would reauthorize the park's advisory commission until 2031 to allow them to continue their leadership in working with their communities to enhance visitor experience and recreational opportunities. The advisory commission is key to ensuring that local communities have a voice in the operation, maintenance, and restoration of the park. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Trone).

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the 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. 2997 would authorize the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, to convey 31 acres of Federal land to Mesa County in Colorado. This parcel of land was once used by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation under the Grand Valley Reclamation Project. It has since been designated suitable for disposal by BLM, with agencies having started the withdrawal revocation process. Following the completion of this process, BLM will engage in a direct sale with Mesa County. The CONVEY Act is designed to facilitate and expedite the ongoing parcel conveyance process. Following the conveyance, Mesa County will use the land for economic development and growth opportunities in and around Clifton, Colorado. I thank the majority for working with us to ensure that, under this bill, Mesa County is responsible for paying for all the costs associated with the conveyance, as is typical in these types of transactions. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the 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, this bill would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to convey the title of the Pilot Butte Power Plant in Wyoming to the Midvale Irrigation District. The transfer would follow negotiation of a mutually beneficial transfer agreement that must ensure full compliance with environmental laws and other applicable laws. Following a title transfer, the irrigation district will explore opportunities to rehabilitate the facility for improved power generation. I am pleased to support the 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. 4051, the SHARKED Act, would establish a new task force led by the National Marine Fisheries Service to identify shark conservation needs and depredation research. Sharks are critical to healthy ocean ecosystems. As the apex predators of the ocean, they help shape marine food webs and are a key indicator of ocean health. Many shark species are, unfortunately, also threatened or endangered. Oceanic sharks and rays have declined by 71 percent since 1970, and three-quarters of these wide-ranging species are threatened. While some shark populations are recovering, scientists predict that nearly 100 million sharks are still killed each year, and current levels of fishing pressure will cause the majority of shark populations to continue declining. According to the IUCN, half of the coastal sharks and rays are threatened with extinction, primarily due to overfishing. A fundamental lack of understanding of shark biology and ecological importance, combined with fear, was partially responsible for dramatic increases in the recreational harvest of sharks in the United States in the 1970s and the 1980s. Any effort to address shark depredation, therefore, needs to be considered in light of recovering shark populations and the threats that sharks face from heightened fishing pressure and climate change. Through the committee process, we have been able to significantly improve this legislation. However, I recognize there are still some legitimate concerns about whether this legislation goes far enough to ensure good outcomes for shark populations and is not a slippery slope towards increasing shark harvests. I am grateful that the majority worked with us to amend the original bill text, ensuring that the focus is placed on changing angler behavior and managing expectations, as well as building out the scientific understanding of shark ecology and the impacts of climate change on predators and prey in the ocean. Recently, Australian researchers found that the use of non-lethal deterrents and simple changes in angler behavior are proven to reduce the probability of sharks taking fish by 65 percent. NOAA has funded similar studies in the United States but admitted in the legislative hearing on this bill that depredation research is complex and requires sustained investment due to the high intelligence and adaptability of sharks. Notably, this bill doesn't include funding. Without it, NOAA will be unable to fund much more than what they are currently doing to address shark conservation and depredation. I hope my colleagues who support this bill will also work with us to ensure robust funding for shark conservation priorities, like increased shark stock assessments. This bill should promote greater collaboration between the fishing community and shark researchers to reduce risks to sharks and humans from depredation events and build out our understanding of the importance of sharks and how to conserve them. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I am prepared to close, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve 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 strong support of H.R. 4385 introduced by my colleague from Colorado, Representative Neguse. Over the past several years, we have seen higher temperatures--with 2023 having been the hottest year on record--and reduced precipitation, snowpack, and stream flow due to climate change. As ongoing impacts of climate change intensify, it is imperative we advance policies that would enhance climate resilience, restoration, and conservation--particularly when it comes to the quality and quantity of our available water resources. The Drought Preparedness Act helps to do just that by reauthorizing a key program to support the development of drought contingency plans and mitigate climate-related drought impacts, including emergency response for communities grappling with water shortages for human health and safety needs. I urge the swift passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse)

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

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

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be the co-lead of H.R. 5009, the WILD Act. I want to start by thanking my partner, Representative Joyce, for his hard work on this bipartisan bill. The WILD Act would authorize and amend several wildlife conservation laws, making it easier to support long-term conservation in the United States and abroad. The multinational species conservation funds, which are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, support five programs that help conserve iconic wildlife species, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, great apes, and turtles. Grants awarded through these programs can be used to secure additional matching funds, increasing the impact of U.S. dollars. Awards made through these funds support synchronized aerial surveys, increasing habitat connectivity, reducing poaching and wildlife crime, community engagement activities, and breeding and reintroduction programs. The WILD Act also would reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which supports habitat restoration efforts across the United States and territories. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employs biologists who work with private landowners to help them conserve and improve wildlife habitat. Program staff provide free technical and financial assistance to plan, design, supervise, and monitor customized habitat restoration projects ranging in size from a few acres to hundreds of thousands of acres. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is an important component of our Nation's collaborative conservation efforts for endangered and threatened species. Mr. Speaker, the WILD Act is a bipartisan win for conservation. I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I reserve 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. 1240, the Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2023, introduced by my colleague from Iowa, Representative Feenstra. This bill would return two tracts of land acquired through eminent domain by the Army Corps of Engineers back into the trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. In 1865, the Winnebago Tribe and the United States signed a treaty promising the Tribe their reservation in Nebraska along the Missouri River for the cession of their Dakota lands. The United States violated this treaty in the 1970s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acquired land from the reservation for flood control by invoking eminent domain without congressional approval or approval of the Secretary of the Interior. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has since held that the Army Corps of Engineers lacked the authority to exercise eminent domain over trust lands. Despite the court's decision, the land has never been returned to the Tribe and remains in the possession of the Army Corps of Engineers. H.R. 1240 seeks to rectify this wrong by returning and reintegrating the land into the Winnebago Tribe's reservation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to right this wrong and vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.