Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, with real unemployment at almost 10 percent, labor force participation at an all-time low, and a mere 1 percent economic growth last quarter, it is clear that the American economy is just not working. Contributing to the problems are the regulatory burdens caused by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, which has reduced the number of credit unions and community banks in my State of Minnesota by nearly 25 percent over the past 6 years. Because of this, it is increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to find the capital they need to start a new business or expand an existing one. In fact, today there are 3 million fewer small business loans made annually than prior to the 2008 crisis. This is particularly alarming because small business creates roughly 70 percent of the new jobs. And today's small businesses, as we all know, are tomorrow's Fortune 500 companies. Just think of all the great businesses in this country that started with a dream in a garage: Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Disney, Harley Davidson, and Minnesota's own Medtronic. I fear that with our current lack of access to capital, many of them would not have gotten off the ground today. Who knows what future American success story we may not be able to witness due to these issues. In fact, according to the Kauffman Index, a measure that tracks business startups in each State, America has dropped from prerecession highs when it comes to starting new businesses. Our legislation, the Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act, which is included in this proposal before us, will fix the access to capital problem that is limiting sustainable growth in our communities. It will make it easier for entrepreneurs to borrow money from their friends and family. Minnesotans will be able to launch their business ideas and encourage the creation of jobs, wealth, and opportunity for everyone. Specifically, this legislation allows Americans to do a private security offering, free from any hoops to jump through by the SEC if they meet these three simple criteria: the investor has a substantive preexisting relationship with the owner; there are fewer than 35 investors; and the aggregate amount from all investors is no more than $500,000. Not only will this help Americans, but the other two bills we are considering today are equally important. The Accelerating Access to Capital Act will make it easier for certain companies to register securities, and the Private Placement Improvement Act will make it less complicated to issue securities under regulation D. Together, these bills will generate economic prosperity, boost wages, and help Americans from all walks of life find good paying and rewarding jobs. I want to thank Congresswoman Wagner, Congressman Garrett, and Chairman Hensarling for their leadership on these issues. I urge all of my colleagues to support these proposals.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matthew C.G. Boucher of Ramsey, Minnesota. Matthew recently received a Veterans' Voices Award meant to highlight the incredible contributions of Minnesota's veterans. Matthew is a veteran of the Army National Guard and spent 12 years courageously serving our Nation. Today he continues his service to our country and to the State of Minnesota through his work as a middle school principal. Matthew's love for the military and his fellow veterans is a large part of what inspires him in his current position. At Fridley Middle School, he started a Veterans Day program to teach students to recognize the many sacrifices that the members of our military make. He also works to promote the belief within every one of his students that anything they set their minds to is possible. He is especially dedicated to helping his students pursue their education beyond high school. Thank you, Matthew, for your brave service and for continuing to better our Nation. Our Nation and our State is a better place because of you. A Voice for Veterans

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a Minnesota company that has reached a major milestone. This past month, Best Buy turned 50 years old. Best Buy was founded in 1966 by Richard Schulze. Originally named The Sound of Music, this store sold stereo equipment to college students in the Twin Cities area. When the stereo market began to decline, the store eventually expanded its merchandise to offer other popular products, ultimately leading to major future success. Like any business, Best Buy has faced highs and lows. In 1981, a tornado destroyed the main store in Roseville. Instead of letting the disaster win, Schulze and his employees banded together to continue to sell great products at a great price and provide excellent customer service along the way. Today there are now 1,600 stores located throughout North America, proving that both determination and hard work can pay off. Their success is widely recognized, so much so that Forbes magazine even named Best Buy the company of the year in 2004. Congratulations to Best Buy on 50 years of business. Thanks for representing Minnesota so well. And here's to the next 50 years. Proof of True Service to Our Country

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life of General John W. Vessey Jr. Just 16 years old when he lied about his age and enlisted as a private in the Minnesota National Guard, John Vessey quickly found himself on the front lines in World War II. It didn't take long for John to distinguish himself as a war hero, and, in 1944, he received a battlefield commission. General Vessey's military career didn't end with his service in World War II. More than two decades later, he also served in Vietnam. In 1982, General Vessey was chosen as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Ronald Reagan, due to his impressive reputation for high integrity and strong character. Some of us might remember General Vessey for becoming our Nation's longest serving active soldier, but most of us will remember him for the work he did for his fellow soldiers. President Reagan once called him a ``soldier's soldier,'' which he undoubtedly was, as he never forgot about the men who stood next to him in battle, including the ones who never made it home. This was proven by his advocacy for MIA/POW issues, for which he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992. General John W. Vessey Jr. was a true Minnesotan hero and he is a legend. We were lucky to have him; and while he will be missed, he will never be forgotten. Minnesota's Own Best Buy Turns 50

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jolaina Falkenstein of Carver, Minnesota, for receiving a Veterans' Voices Award. These awards are meant to honor the outstanding contributions made by Minnesota's veterans. Jolaina is an Army Reserve veteran who serves as a senior noncommissioned officer in the 88th Regional Support Command. In her primary role as a lead training officer for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, Jolaina strives to help military members prepare for deployment as well as for what they will need when they return home. Additionally, Jolaina works as a licensed therapist for Lutheran Social Services, working with our military members and their families. We are truly thankful to have an individual like Jolaina in our community. Not only has she served in the Armed Forces, but she continues to serve by providing our Nation's veterans and their families with the care that they not only deserve, but they so desperately need.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the anniversary of an outstanding Minnesota company that has been providing quality food for the past 75 years. Jennie-O Foods markets over 1,500 products to more than 70 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1940 by Earl B. Johnson, this company has been recognized as a leader in the turkey industry. Jennie-O Foods had humble beginnings, which all began when Earl started raising turkeys while managing a small creamery. Nine years later, Earl bought a turkey processing plant in Willmar, Minnesota, and the company flourished. Jennie-O Foods has had nothing but success over the years with the invention of products like the first turkey hot dog, eventually catching the eye of another great Minnesota company, Hormel Foods in 1986. I want to not only congratulate Jennie-O for their 75 years of success, but I join the great State of Minnesota in thanking them for their contribution to our State and our Nation. We wish you nothing but continued success.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an incredible company and true Minnesota original, Hormel Foods, which is celebrating 125 years of success. Ever since George Hormel founded what is known today as the Hormel Foods Corporation in 1891, this company has created some of the most well-known products in the food industry. Hormel started off as a small-town business in Austin, Minnesota, but quickly evolved with offices opening all over the State and Nation after the introduction of products like the world's first canned ham. One of the best known products that introduced Hormel to the country and the world is the Minnesota staple called SPAM. Over the past 125 years, Hormel has continued to invent and acquire new products like Skippy Peanut Butter and Applegate Farms. In fact, Forbes has named Hormel one of the most innovative companies in the food processing industry. I want to thank Hormel for being such a great Minnesota company for the past 125 years and for feeding our State, Nation, and the world. Congratulations, Hormel. Minnesota is proud to call you one of our own.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, 33 percent of Americans have no retirement savings. This is why it is so difficult to understand why the Department of Labor recently finalized a ``fiduciary rule'' that will harm the ability of Americans, especially those of modest means, to save for retirement. By imposing new and needlessly burdensome standards on financial experts who provide investment advice to Americans, the ``fiduciary rule'' will price many retirees out of the market, causing a ``guidance gap'' which will lead to Americans saving less money or worse, not saving at all. We can't allow this burdensome rule to wreak havoc on the financial future of American citizens. I am proud to stand up for low- and medium-income Minnesotans who are trying to save for retirement today by voting to prevent the implementation of this misguided rule. Despite the President's veto, I remain committed to preventing this rule from harming the futures of everyday Minnesotans.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address childhood obesity in the recent efforts in Minnesota, my home State, to address this concern for families throughout our State and across this country. Over the past decade, as a nation, we have seen a great deal of time and energy dedicated to combatting childhood obesity, and thus far, we have seen great successes. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently highlighted St. Cloud, the largest city in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, because of an impressive 24 percent decline in obesity for 12-year-olds over the past 7 years. This incredible shift in the health and well-being for Minnesota's youth could not have occurred without joint community effort. As an example, in St. Cloud, we have been lucky enough to have the help of healthcare providers like CentraCare, who look past the boundaries of their hospitals and their clinics and bring their work into the communities where they live. I applaud the efforts of great Minnesota companies and organizations like CentraCare, Coborn's, Bernick's, and many others who are dedicated to working together to improve the overall health in our Minnesota communities.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th birthday of a fantastic Minnesota company, General Mills. In 1866, Cadwallader Washburn started a mill that would eventually become General Mills. Located on the mighty Mississippi, the mill was the largest mill west of the Mississippi, causing the locals to name it ``the pride of Minneapolis.'' Throughout the years, the company flourished, even through the hardest of times. During the Great Depression, while many other companies went under, General Mills thrived, creating popular products like Kix and Bisquick. General Mills not only succeeded during these times, but extended a helping hand when it was needed. During World War II, 9 out of 10 employees worked on projects so vital to the war effort that armed guards patrolled the company. Today, General Mills successfully markets many popular brands like Betty Crocker and Haagen-Dazs, creating jobs and making a major contribution to the great State of Minnesota and this country. I would like to thank General Mills for feeding the Nation, and I wish them a happy 150th birthday. Here's to 150 more years of success. Honoring St. Cloud State University's President Earl Potter

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of St. Cloud State University president, Earl Potter, who was tragically killed in a car accident last night. Earl was one of Minnesota's best and brightest educators, and he dedicated his entire life to this Nation's students, most recently serving Minnesota's Sixth District at St. Cloud State University. He brought innovation and positive change to St. Cloud State University over the past decade, preparing his students for life after college. Not only was Earl Potter committed to the students within the St. Cloud community, but he dedicated his time and energy to serving the greater St. Cloud community and Minnesota as a whole. He served on the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, United Way of Central Minnesota Board of Directors, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, and the Minnesota National Guard Senior Advisory Task Force, among many others. Earl's service extended well beyond the borders of our great State of Minnesota as well as with his service on nearly a dozen national academic boards. He was passionate about the universities he represented, the students he served, and the communities in which he lived. We have suffered a huge loss in the St. Cloud community, and my deepest condolences go out to Earl's wife Christine, their children and grandchildren, and their loved ones across the country. The work that Earl has done for our community will be his living legacy.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Minnesota State Colleges and Universities chancellor Steven Rosenstone's upcoming retirement, and I thank him for his years of serving our State's higher education system. Steven has dedicated his entire life to education, which began when he received his own degree from Washington University and a master's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. From there, he went on to teach political science at Yale University, and later at the University of Michigan. In 1996, Steven came to Minnesota to serve as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts, where his hard work and vision ultimately led him to being named the chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in February of 2011. During his time as the head of Minnesota's State schools, Steven implemented numerous policies that ensured a better and more affordable education for Minnesotans. Thank you, Steven, for dedicating your life to helping others pursue their goals through education. We wish you a happy and restful retirement. The Pride of Minneapolis Turns 150

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Gangl of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Mary was recently awarded the Office Volunteer of the Year Sylvie, which is given annually by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Upper Midwest Chapter. The Sylvie award was presented to Mary for her contributions to the society which works to improve the lives of those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Mary spends nearly 400 hours a year volunteering at the office front desk where she helps with many important tasks as well as welcoming visitors and staff. Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease of the central nervous system, which affects more than 2 million people worldwide. Those affected by this disease have devastating symptoms; and, unfortunately, at this time, there is no cure. I want to thank Mary for dedicating so much of her time volunteering to help others. Your hard work is appreciated, and you truly deserve this award. Minnesota Home to Manufacturer of the Year

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of Minnesota's best and brightest, Sartell High School senior Gopi Ramanathan, who was recently named a 2016 Presidential Scholar. Every year, up to 161 students can be named Presidential Scholars, making it one of the highest awards a high school student can receive. It is safe to say this achievement has gone to an incredibly deserving scholar. Gopi Ramanathan has had an exceptionally successful high school career, and his resume includes a very long list of accolades and achievements. He is a two-time champion of the Minnesota State Geography Bee, and he was captain of the United States team that took first place at the 2013 National Geographic World Geography Bee. Additionally, he is a member of the National Honor Society, a Big Brother mentor, a member of the student council, the president of the Minnesota Association of Student Councils, and a member of the Sartell soccer team. Perhaps most notably, Gopi earned a perfect score of 36 on his ACTs, an accomplishment that puts him in the top one-tenth of 1 percent of students across this country. It is an honor to recognize a student of such distinction here today, and I can say with absolute certainty that we will see more great things to come from this young man in the future. Anoka Educator Honored at the White House

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Minnesota-based company Sign-Zone for receiving a Manufacturers Alliance Manufacturer of the Year award for midsize businesses. Sign- Zone is highly deserving of this award, as it is one of the fastest growing companies in the country as well as the Nation's leading provider in visual communication products and solutions. Manufacturing is an incredibly important industry in the State of Minnesota. Our State is not only home to nearly 300,000 manufacturing jobs, but the industry brings billions of dollars to our economy every year, making it a key pillar of Minnesota's economy. I commend Sign-Zone for bringing great business and excellent products to our community, but I also thank them for contributing to an industry that is so critically vital to our State. Congratulations, Sign-Zone, and thank you for what you contribute to the great State of Minnesota. Minnesota's Own Presidential Scholar

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anoka High School math teacher Paul Kelley for recently being honored at the White House in a ceremony for exceptional educators. In addition to teaching math at Anoka High School for the past 29 years, Mr. Kelley serves on the board of directors for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Along with four other teachers from around the country, Mr. Kelley was nominated for this recognition by the staff at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics headquarters. During the ceremony at the White House, Paul had the chance to meet hundreds of other extraordinary teachers as well as the Secretary of Education, John B. King, and Deputy Assistant to the President for Education, Roberto Rodriguez. Mr. Kelley also heard from President Obama, thanking the educators for their roles in educating today's youth. A good teacher molds minds, sparks creativity, and gives students keys that can open all of life's doors. Congratulations, Mr. Kelley, on your recent achievement, and thank you for helping Minnesota students achieve their full potential.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the life of St. Cloud native Wheelock Whitney. Mr. Whitney devoted his life to the State of Minnesota and to our community. Wheelock Whitney was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and joined the Navy following high school. After serving his country, he attended Yale University and went on to become the successful CEO of J.M. Dain & Company until he retired in 1972. Wheelock's passions, however, expanded far past business. He served as the mayor of Wayzata, Minnesota, and ran for the U.S. Senate in 1964. He also ran for Governor of the State of Minnesota in 1982. Wheelock was active in politics throughout his long life. He was also a baseball enthusiast and was instrumental in bringing our beloved Twins to Minnesota. While Wheelock will, undoubtedly, be remembered for his successful career and many endeavors, many of us will remember him for his charity. Among his many charitable efforts, Wheelock served as the chairman of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and he cofounded the Johnson Institute, which helps fight addiction. Wheelock Whitney was a man with a great heart. He lived to help others and strived to make Minnesota a wonderful place to live, and we will all miss him.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Senator John Pederson for his dedicated service to the St. Cloud area residents over the past 6 years. John Pederson was born and raised in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District and first served on the St. Cloud City Council in 2007. After 4 years on the City Council, John ran and won his seat in the Minnesota State Senate. Throughout his time in the Minnesota legislature, Senator Pederson has shown his expertise in a variety of areas, but none more than in transportation. Like me, Senator Pederson understands that an intense focus on transportation in Minnesota's Sixth is crucial to relieving congestion, improving safety, increasing mobility, and fostering economic development in our State. John, thank you for your time in serving the people of our great State. Thank you, Senator Ortman

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank my friend, Representative Tim Sanders, for the incredible work that he has done while serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Representative Sanders has served in the legislature for four terms, during which he has held various leadership positions. In the 2014 election, he was nominated to the position of assistant majority leader and has also served as chair of the Government Operations and Elections Committee. I got to know Tim personally during my own time in the State legislature and have an enormous amount of respect for him. He has been a successful and passionate legislator, proven by the fact that a substantial number of his bills have actually been signed into law. Thank you, Tim, for your service to our community and to our State. I know that you will continue to accomplish great things. I wish you nothing but happiness as you spend more time with Farrah and the kids.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Senator Alice Johnson for her dedication and service to the people of Minnesota. Alice Johnson began her career as a public servant in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1986. She served for 14 years before taking a brief break from the Minnesota legislature. Alice again ran for office in 2012 and has served in the Minnesota Senate for the past 4 years, where she has served as vice chair for both the Education Finance and Policy Committees. After an incredible 18 years in public service, Senator Johnson deserves her well-earned retirement. Thank you, Alice, for the time you have spent in working tirelessly on behalf of Minnesotans and in working to end the gridlock in politics. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Representative Sanders

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Senator Dave Brown for serving in the Minnesota State Senate. Senator Brown represents an area located in Minnesota's Sixth District, and I have enjoyed working with him on a variety of issues that are important to our constituents. Senator Brown has worked on policy solutions in the fields related to commerce, education, and finance. However, his main area of expertise has been in promoting Minnesota energy. Our district is home to the Sherco coal-fired power plant, which is responsible for hundreds of jobs as well as the abundance of energy it provides. During a time when Sherco's future was unclear and unstable, Senator Brown was a voice of reason that helped many to keep the plant open, allowing many Minnesotans to keep their jobs. Thank you, Dave, for the work you have done for our community and for Minnesota. I will miss working with you, but we wish you the best of luck in your next endeavor. Thank you, Senator Pederson

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Senator Julianne Ortman for her years of dedicated service in the Minnesota Senate. Following her time in practicing law and as a county commissioner, Julianne Ortman was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2002. Her talent quickly became apparent as she rose to various leadership positions. Senator Ortman served as an assistant minority leader during the 2007-2008 legislative session. During the 2011-2012 session, she served as deputy majority leader and as chairwoman of the Senate Tax Committee. Of the many issues Senator Ortman championed, taxes, transportation, judiciary, and public safety were among her highest priorities. During her time as chairwoman of the Senate Tax Committee, the State government had a $5 billion deficit, which it eventually managed to eliminate without raising taxes on hardworking Minnesotans, evidence of Senator Ortman's strong leadership. Thank you, Julianne, for your service and for all that you have done for Minnesota. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you, Senator Johnson

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank Eugene McCarthy's daughter, Ellen, and St. John's University president Dr. Michael Hemesath and Dr. Matthew Lindstrom from the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement at the College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University for their help in making this dedication possible. The staff and students of this center provide valuable events, lectures, and discussions that engage the entire community surrounding Collegeville, Minnesota. I rise today to honor Senator Eugene McCarthy, a man who is remembered for shaking up the D.C. establishment and for being a driving force behind the level of civic engagement Minnesota has today. In the year which would have been his 100th birthday, I am proud to have the full Minnesota delegation's support for dedicating the post office at St. John's University--the college where McCarthy grew up, studied, and taught--after this great public servant. If recent years in politics have taught us anything, it is that the American people are tired of the status quo. They value independent thinking and honest, plain-spoken leaders. Eugene McCarthy was a patriotic American who valued his faith and his country, but who was not afraid to speak out when he believed our Nation was headed down the wrong path. He left his Benedictine studies to serve his country in World War II as a code breaker in the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department. Serving in the Army gave McCarthy a firsthand perspective on the level of dedication and sacrifice our Nation's servicemembers give in furtherance of a just cause. McCarthy is best known for effectively ending the political career of his party's presumptive Presidential nominee. As the country tired of watching their sons die in Vietnam without there being a winning strategy, McCarthy challenged Lyndon Johnson for the Presidential nomination in 1968. In a party that struggled to justify its failed foreign policies, McCarthy garnered a substantial percentage of the New Hampshire primary, causing a severe blow to then-President Johnson's prospects as well as opening a door for Robert Kennedy, a young Senator from New York, to challenge the sitting President. Johnson ended his campaign within the same month. Although Nixon won the election, McCarthy had done the groundwork to inject public opinion into the national election process. Eugene McCarthy revived the idea that those who were truly committed to self- government could participate and impact the process to correct injustice and improve citizens' lives in Minnesota and around the country. McCarthy served as a Representative and Senator from our great State from 1949 to 1971. When McCarthy left the Senate, he returned to his life as a reluctant Minnesota leader, prolific poet, and educator. He authored over 20 books on public policy, political theory, and economics, including memories from growing up in Minnesota. McCarthy continued to strongly influence Minnesota's politics; yet, he never clung to a party line. McCarthy was publicly critical of Jimmy Carter, and he supported Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative. Eugene McCarthy's father, a postmaster himself and a proud Republican, once said: Gene is a good boy, but he's in the wrong party. In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on being able to disagree without necessarily being disagreeable. We pride ourselves on working together from different perspectives, politically and otherwise, toward common goals. Personally, I don't like the term ``bipartisan,'' but not for the reason you may think. You see, I think the instant we refer to something as ``bipartisan'' we immediately make an issue about our different points of view instead of about the fact that we all want, essentially, the same things. For instance, we all want clean air, clean water, good schools, good jobs, safe communities, and a better life for our children than we have enjoyed. The list goes on and on. Again, for the most part, we all want the same things. Sometimes we just have different perspectives on how to best achieve the things we all want. Senator McCarthy was not afraid to do the right thing for the right reason even if that meant working with someone who did not have the same political affiliation or religious views. In my book, that is not just called independence. That is called leadership. Naming a post office after Eugene McCarthy is a worthy dedication for a man who shook the foundation of the political establishment at a national level. I thank Chairman Chaffetz and the committee for their work to officially honor this great Minnesotan, Eugene McCarthy.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Ramsey Fire Chief Dean Kapler, who recently announced his upcoming retirement. Since 1993, Dean Kapler has been responsible for every aspect of the Ramsey Fire Department, a responsibility that he handles with determination and enthusiasm. Over the past 23 years, Dean has recruited and trained 55 firefighters and maintained three fire stations. Additionally, he has worked tirelessly to provide better coverage and expand fire service for the Ramsey area. The dedication that Dean Kapler has displayed to his home city of 37 years is further proven by the retirement date he has chosen. His retirement will be determined by the completion of the new fire department, a project that he has supervised and insists on seeing through to completion. I want to thank Dean for all the work that he has done for the city of Ramsey, and I wish him happiness in his well-earned retirement. Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant is ``Above and Beyond''