Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the United Way of Central Minnesota for helping families throughout our communities escape poverty for an incredible 50 years. Over the past half century, the United Way of Central Minnesota has raised more than $100 million, allowing them to help fund other nonprofits who provide services that help Minnesota families in need. It is largely because of the generous contributions from the United Way of Central Minnesota that the Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota was able to get off the ground in the 1970s and to be able to grow into what it is today. Thankfully, the United Way of Central Minnesota continues to grow strong. In fact, they recently announced their latest partnership with the St. Cloud School District to create neighborhood resource centers for students and their families. It is inspiring to see an organization solely devoted to helping others. Sometimes when someone is down on their luck, all it takes is a helping hand to get them back on their feet. On behalf of thousands of Minnesotans, I would like to thank the United Way of Central Minnesota for being that helping hand for the past 50 years, and we look forward to many successful years to come.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend, Rabbi Hershel Lutch, and to thank him for reading the opening prayer here on the House floor today. Rabbi Lutch has devoted his life to working for the Jewish community in the United States and around the globe. I met Rabbi Lutch on a trip to Israel that he and his organization, Aish HaTorah, helped to coordinate. That special trip showed me firsthand how our ally in Israel fights to survive and thrive every day. In addition to his work for Aish HaTorah, Rabbi Lutch is the CEO of the MEOR Foundation, an organization that strives to inspire Jewish students on college campuses to learn more about their history and heritage. In his personal life, Rabbi Lutch is a husband and a father and a son. He is an asset to his community and our country, and I am pleased we could hear from him on the floor today. Thank you, Rabbi, for blessing us here today and for your continued dedication to the Jewish people and to people of all faiths. It is an honor to know you.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Stearns County Human Services Administrator Mark Sizer for his dedicated service to our community. After 40 years of public service and 23 years dedicated to Stearns County, Mark is heading into retirement. Since he was appointed to the human services administrator position in 2011, Mark has dedicated himself to the many programs and employees in his department and to the cities of Stearns County. Under Mark's leadership, Stearns County has offered some of the best services and programs in Minnesota. Stearns County is one of the largest and most densely populated counties in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, and we are fortunate to have had such a dedicated public servant and strong leadership at the helm of this incredibly important department. Thank you for your service, Mark. I wish you a happy and relaxing retirement with those you love. You certainly deserve it.

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the St. Cloud Area adapted softball team for winning the State championship earlier this month. Coach Mike Bakken led the team to victory with the help of Tyrell Franck-Ross, Dayton Wienjes, and Jordan Williams, who all played exceptionally well. While the individual accomplishments were important, it was a team effort, with all 16 players giving it their all and leaving everything they had on the field. The tournament was intense, with St. Cloud coming from behind to win the first game. St. Cloud scored five runs in the top of the seventh to beat Chaska 17-14. We are proud of all the players from around the State for their effort in the tournament, and we are especially proud of our St. Cloud Area team for their success and their hard work over this past season. Young Leaders in STEM

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two high school students from my district for being chosen to represent the great State of Minnesota in two prestigious science, technology, engineering, and math, more commonly called STEM-based, programs. Alex Nutt, of Princeton High School, has been selected to participate in the Congress of Future Medical Leaders; and Michael Dehmer, of Buffalo High School, has been selected to participate in the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. These programs were specifically designed to inspire high school students who are at the top of their class and hope to pursue a science-based career. Once they have successfully completed their congress, Alex and Michael will continue to receive mentoring to help them successfully pursue their chosen careers. The career paths that Alex Nutt and Michael Dehmer have chosen to pursue are not easy, but they are incredibly important to our country. In order for our Nation to remain both competitive and successful, it is vital that today's students take an active interest in STEM fields. That is why I am proud to honor both Alex and Michael and to thank the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists and the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists for working to ensure that the future of our Nation is bright. Minnesota's Future

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all the recent high school graduates in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District on completing a major milestone in their young lives. This milestone represents the beginning of the rest of your lives. And while we celebrate your achievement, we are also excited for your future, and there is so much to be excited about. Many of you will go on to further your careers in education, travel and see the world. Some of you might go to medical school, and one of you might actually cure a disease. Some of you might run for public office, and one of you might even become the President of the United States. You will be active in your communities. You will build families and be incredible assets to the great State of Minnesota. Your possibilities are limitless, and I hope you will always think big and never give up on your dreams. We wish you the best of luck as you take the next step in your journey, and we look forward to watching you succeed and thrive. I also want to thank your parents and the teachers of these wonderful scholars for guiding them along and helping them achieve this great goal. An education is the key that opens all of life's doors, and we thank you for handing these students the key. Recognizing the Service of Mark J. Sizer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding. Nearly 7 years ago, the American people were promised that the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act would end Washington bailouts, protect consumers, and lead to a more prosperous economy. Instead, the big banks and the influence of the Federal Government have continued to get bigger while smaller, local community banks and credit unions are closing up shop and our country continues to struggle with anemic levels of economic growth. This is why the Financial CHOICE Act is so important. This legislation gives us an opportunity to return the power to the ``little guy or gal'' who wants to create a better life for themselves and, by doing so, for all of us. It takes steps to end the failure of excessive and redundant bureaucracy, and it will give our entrepreneurs the opportunity to access the startup capital they need to grow and thrive once again. I am especially pleased that this bill includes provisions from my Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act, and the Financial Stability Oversight Council Reform Act. These three bills are important components of the Financial Services Committee's broader intent of improving opportunity and accountability for all. I appreciate the chairman's continued efforts to make this goal a reality. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Hensarling for all of his work. I look forward to supporting the Financial CHOICE Act, and I hope all of us will do the same.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the importance of the U.S. International Affairs Budget for America's economic prosperity. Recently, more than 220 leaders from America's business community, from Fortune 500 companies to local chambers of commerce, wrote to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson about the strategic investments in development and diplomacy that advance America's interests overseas and support jobs at home. I am particularly proud that the CEOs of Land O'Lakes and Cargill-- two Minnesota-based companies--helped lead this critical effort. Minnesota businesses understand they need the support of America's diplomats and development professionals at the State Department and USAID in the international marketplace to succeed. For less than 1 percent of the Federal budget, our diplomats and development workers help create good governance and stability in developing countries around the world. These efforts enable their economies to grow, creating new markets for American goods in a highly competitive global marketplace. With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside of our borders, some of our fastest growing economies are in developing countries. Currently, 41 million American jobs depend on international trade, including 800,000 in the great State of Minnesota. We simply can't afford to disengage from the world. We also know that individuals who experience economic growth and trade with one another prefer peace over conflict. If the United States is to remain an economic powerhouse that continues to create jobs for hardworking Americans here at home, we must invest in our critical development and diplomacy agencies. If we don't, our economic competitors and, God forbid, our enemies certainly will. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect funding for the International Affairs Budget. A Well-Deserved Award

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Forest Lake Area Schools' early childhood special education teacher, Heide Muhs. Heide is retiring at the end of this school year. Heide is concluding her professional career in education with a huge achievement. Recently she received the Early Childhood Professional of the Year Lifetime Excellence Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made a lasting difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families. This is an area where Heide has excelled during her career. Heide is no stranger to the needs of these families. For her, it is personal. In fact, she has two adopted sons with special needs. Through her personal experience and unwavering dedication to those in her care, Heide has managed to help and strengthen families throughout central Minnesota. I am proud to stand here today and to thank Heide for her commitment to our children's future. We wish you the best in your retirement, Heide. You deserve it. Bush Fellowship for Minnesotans

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of two Minnesotans from my district. Scott Glew of Elk River and Emmanuel Oppong of St. Cloud have received Bush Fellowships. During his service in the Army National Guard, Scott was deeply affected by the human suffering he witnessed. That is why, in his current job as an educator, Scott is determined to teach his students about global conflicts. He has advocated for making social studies a main component of our students' curriculum. With his fellowship, Scott plans to earn a Ph.D. to expand and improve upon our education curriculum. Mr. Oppong is originally from Ghana and knows firsthand that mental health is not a priority for many cultures. That is why he works as a counselor for immigrants and refugees dealing with culture shock and trauma. With his fellowship, Emmanuel plans to learn how to raise awareness of mental health issues and implement education plans to improve the health and well-being of our communities. I am deeply impressed with these individuals and their commitment to the common good, and I wish them well as they pursue their goals. An Incredible Gold Star

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Ally Haas, a student at Sartell High School. Recently, Ally completed a project that has helped elementary students at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School by pairing them with high school and college students for weekly tutoring sessions. The project has been incredibly successful. Due to the success of her project, Ally received a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts. This is the highest award the Girl Scouts has to offer. It is no coincidence that Ally has become such a civic-minded young woman, as she is a fourth-generation Girl Scout. In fact, Ally's mother received the Gold Award in 1985. Congratulations, Ally. We are proud of you and we are looking forward to your bright future and continued success.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great men and women and their families that drive Minnesota's dairy industry. This month is National Dairy Month. In fact, considering the amount of milk and other dairy products we consume on a daily basis in the United States and beyond, one could argue that we already remember and recognize our dairy farmers every day. In Minnesota, our dairy farmers produce nearly 10 billion pounds of milk each year. Our dairy farmers, along with their industry colleagues across the country, not only bring billions of dollars to our economy, they are vital to a strong and healthy population. Our dairy farmers work extremely hard. Many, in addition to their dairy operation, have to maintain a job off the farm to make ends meet. So, during National Dairy Month, when you drink a glass of milk, have a milk-filled bowl of cereal, eat a piece of cheese or that cup of yogurt, let's stop and remember the hardworking men and women of our dairy industry and their importance to our economy and their commitment to our health.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stearns County Corrections Agent Jeremy Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher recently received the Outstanding Agent Award from the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties. Jeremy received this award because of his work with victims of domestic violence. Jeremy has served as a corrections agent in Stearns County for 11 years, 4 of which have been spent as an agent in the county's Domestic Violence Court. Being a corrections agent in domestic violence cases can be overwhelming, but not for Jeremy. He has embraced his role to aid and protect Minnesota families. Through his assignment, he has even discovered a passion for helping children overcome the trauma that domestic violence can bring. Jeremy Gallagher has gone above and beyond his role as a corrections agent. He is so deserving of this award, and he is the first Stearns County agent to receive it. I applaud Jeremy for his dedication to Minnesota families, and especially for his dedication to our children. A Victorious Weekend

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an outstanding college student in my district. Megan Hedstrom is currently in her senior year at St. Cloud State University. Megan has excelled in college as a student and as an athlete. She has a bright future. Recently, Megan won a Crystal Pillar Award from the Upper Midwest Emmy Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She received the award for a piece called ``True Grit'' that Megan wrote, edited, and produced for the university's television station. As if her Crystal Pillar Award was not enough, Megan also pitched a perfect game this spring, leading the St. Cloud Husky softball team to victory over the University of Mary. Megan excels in the classroom as well. Just this week she was named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Spring All-Academic team, which requires a minimum 3.2 GPA or higher. Megan's academic success, her success on the softball field, and her chosen career path, deserve recognition and celebration. Congratulations, Megan. We are proud to have students like you at St. Cloud State University. A Normandy Scholar

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Evan DuFresne and his teacher, Christopher Stewart, of the North Lakes Academy Charter School. Evan has recently been named a Normandy Scholar, and with this, Evan and Mr. Stewart have been chosen to attend the Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Albert H. Small Student and Teacher Institute. They will participate in this prominent program alongside 14 other student and teacher teams from across the United States. After coming up shy in last year's application, Evan doubled down on his commitment to this project. He resigned from the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program after 5 dedicated years and even chose to delay his plans to join the Army National Guard. Thankfully, Evan's perseverance and dedication appealed to this year's judges. The Normandy Scholar Program allows student to learn about World War II at an in-depth level by researching and telling the story of a fallen soldier from their hometown. The program also gives them the chance to pay their respects to this hero at the Normandy American Cemetery in Normandy, France. Congratulations to both Evan and Mr. Stewart for being chosen to participate, and thank you for telling the story of an American hero from the Greatest Generation who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We look forward to hearing more about your educational journey in the months to come. Stillwater's Last Man

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand in support of a local veteran who is now the last surviving member of his World War II veterans club. Jean L. DeCurtins became the last member of his club when his lifelong friend Robert Kunshier passed away. Both were among the 180 men from the Stillwater area in Washington County, Minnesota, who joined the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Infantry right before World War II. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor shook the Nation, DeCurtins and the rest of his unit deployed to Europe where they helped defend this Nation and the world. Jean was injured twice during the war and bravely returned to fight each time after recovery. He returned to Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1944. Many of his friends did not return. The survivors in the area formed the A&D Last Man's Club, which was named after both companies the men belonged to during the war. Mr. Speaker, men like Jean DeCurtins, and those in the Last Man's Club, bravely fought during World War II. They did so unselfishly and without reservation. We will never forget the courage and sacrifice they displayed during our Nation's and the world's darkest hour, and the world will always be thankful for them.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend several police officers in my district for receiving the U.S. Department of Defense's Patriot Award. Police Chief Todd Schwieger and Police Reserve Captain Richard Johnson both received the distinguished Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Patriot Award for their efforts helping an Active-Duty soldier work in their department while continuing his service to our country through the Army Reserve. Created in 1972, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve was created to help employers understand the obligations of their Active- Duty employees and how to meet any challenges that may arise for those employees. St. Francis Reserve Officer and Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Richard Sieber, whom they had been helping, nominated Chief Schwieger and Captain Johnson for this award. Serving in our Nation's Armed Forces is one of the most noble ways one can assist our Nation, and it is imperative that we help the brave individuals who choose to serve our country in any way that we can. Mr. Speaker, I thank both Todd Schwieger and Richard Johnson for their dedication to our servicemembers, as well as their own service to our community through their work in the St. Francis Police Department. Their work hasn't gone unnoticed.

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sauk Rapids' Citizen of the Year, Jodi Speicher. The Sauk Rapids Chamber of Commerce started this award in 1986 to recognize individuals who have influenced the community for the better. Jodi, a resident of Sauk Rapids over the past 15 years, is known for her many contributions to this wonderful community. Whether she is striving for economic prosperity by working with the Sauk Rapids Chamber of Commerce, fighting to end disease through her work with the Alzheimer's Association and the Walk to End Alzheimer's, helping to put on St. Cloud's Expo for Seniors, or advocating for our children by serving on the Community Education board for the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, Jodi is always putting her community first. It takes a very special person to dedicate so much of their time to helping and supporting others. I am proud to recognize that kind of accomplishment here today. Mr. Speaker, I thank Jodi for all she does for our community. She is truly deserving of this award. Keep up the great work. Teaching Life Lessons Through Art

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an educator in my district who was recently named Minnesota's Middle Level Art Teacher of the Year by the Art Educators of Minnesota. Pam Schwandt began her teaching career 31 years ago at Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts in Anoka, Minnesota, where she was a favorite teacher of one of my staffers. After 13 years in Anoka, Pam moved to Roosevelt Middle School, where she has been for the past 18 years. While Pam recognizes that not all of her students will become artists, she believes many life lessons can be taught through art. Pam has been helping students learn how to find joy, in addition to nurturing their creative thinking and problem-solving skills through art. Mr. Speaker, I speak for all Minnesotans when I say: Thank you, Pam. The best teachers are the ones who go above and beyond just teaching a subject. The best teachers are the ones like Pam, who teach lessons and skills that our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Pam's award is well deserved. Overcoming Obstacles

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the strength and resolve of Forest Lake Patrol Officer Troy Meyer for not only overcoming adversity over the past 3 years, but for his amazing perseverance. Troy has escaped death not just once, not twice, but three times by overcoming a severe brain infection, a lung infection, and a double lung transplant a year later. He also had surgery to repair a hole in his heart just 6 months after that. Despite his challenges, Troy always moved ahead, determined to live life to the fullest and to help as many people as possible. He has done that by returning to his job on the police force only 13 months after his third surgery. Mr. Speaker, Officer Meyer is an example of the resiliency of the human spirit. We are so thankful that he has made a full and miraculous recovery. Forest Lake, the police department, and the State of Minnesota are fortunate to have an individual like Troy Meyer in our community. Serving to Serve Others

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 534) to require the Secretary of State to take such actions as may be necessary for the United States to rejoin the Bureau of International Expositions, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Minnesota National Guard unit for recently receiving the prestigious John J. Stanko Army National Guard Unit of the Year Award. During their deployment, which included soldiers spread across multiple locations, the Bravo Company 2 of the 211th General Support Aviation Battalion completed more than 300 missions across Afghanistan, enduring some of the most difficult and dangerous environments imaginable. Additionally, they moved an incredible 1 million pounds of cargo and participated in high-risk missions and deliberate operations to support forces on the ground. Due to their overall excellent performance, the Bravo Company soldiers have been awarded three Bronze Stars, several Air Medals, eight Combat Action Badges, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, and 14 Army Achievement Medals. The Bravo Company's achievements have earned them the reputation as one of the best Army aviation units serving in Afghanistan. We are proud to know that these soldiers call Minnesota their home. I want to thank these soldiers for their brave service to our Nation, their unwavering dedication to their unit, and the honorable way in which they have served. You are the reason the United States Armed Forces are the best in the world.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank recently retired Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner for his service to the people of Minnesota. For the past 33 years, Sheriff Sanner has watched over our community, ensuring our safety and the safety of our loved ones. In 1984, he started out as a patrol deputy and was elected sheriff 20 years later. After the horrific abduction of Jacob Wetterling in 1989, Sheriff Sanner was one of the main officers on the case. He worked for more than 26 years searching tirelessly for Jacob, hoping to finally give Jacob's family an answer. Years went by and, soon, decades, but Sheriff Sanner never gave up on Jacob or the Wetterling family. He stood by them until the case was finally solved just this past year, proving his dedication to his job and to the people he served. Sheriff Sanner, I speak on behalf of all Minnesotans when I say thank you. We wish you a long, peaceful retirement spent with your family.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Minnesota's very own Dan Coborn. Dan Coborn, a native son of the St. Cloud community, recently passed, but his memory will live on. Dan will be remembered as an executive who helped his family's business grow and succeed. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father whose wife and five children meant the world to him. Perhaps most importantly, Dan Coborn will be remembered for his charity and generosity. Over the span of his life, Dan Coborn gave back to a number of charities that included the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. In addition to financially giving back to these charities, he also gave his time by serving as a board member of the St. Cloud Hospital and the Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools, in addition to serving as a founding member of the United Way of Central Minnesota. Dan Coborn was a hero in our community, and his passing is a massive loss to us all. I wish his family peace during this difficult time, and I promise his life's work will not be forgotten.