Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brigadier General Johanna Clyborne for earning the rank of major general and becoming the first female two-star general in Minnesota's National Guard. For 30 years, Brigadier General Clyborne has risen through the ranks and served her country with distinction. Incredibly, she did this while having a family, earning a law degree, and becoming a successful attorney. The example she has set for other women in the military and beyond is a legacy to be proud of. I was honored to have Brigadier General Clyborne participate on a panel for our annual Young Women in Leadership Program for high school students in Minnesota. Her leadership and life experience inspired not only the participants, but me and my staff, as well. Congratulations Brigadier General Clyborne on your outstanding achievement. Thank you for your decades of service to our Nation and thanks for being such a great role model for young women. We are lucky to have individuals like you devoted to the safety and security of our Nation. Recognizing Kathy Coles

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathy Coles of Otsego, Minnesota. Kathy recently earned her eighth degree dan black belt in Song Moo Kwan tae kwon do, which makes her the first female grand master in the world after nearly 38 years in martial arts. This is an amazing achievement, especially considering the perseverance required. Each increased degree in black belt rank takes roughly the same number of years to achieve. For example, a second degree would take approximately 2 years, a third degree 3 years. Kathy plans to test for and earn her ninth degree, which should take about 8\1/2\ years. Congratulations, Kathy, on doing what no other woman has done, and good luck on earning your ninth degree dan black belt.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Boyd W. Sorenson of Waite Park for receiving France's highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, for his service during World War II. As a fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he flew 89 missions in the European theater during World War II, assisting in the liberation of France. Mr. Sorenson's service didn't end after World War II. In fact, Boyd went on to fly 72 missions during the Korean war. Mr. Boyd is no stranger to recognition for his bravery. He has already been awarded the European African Middle Eastern Medal with three bronze stars, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, and the Canadian Operational Service Medal with maple leaf cluster. Boyd is a hero, and his actions helped further the cause of freedom we enjoy today. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Sorenson for his service and congratulate him on another well-deserved award. Congratulating Violet Halverson

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Violet Halverson of Sartell, Minnesota. At 94 years old, Violet has just earned herself the silver medal in shuffleboard at the National Senior Games. The National Senior Games were created to promote healthy lifestyles for aging adults through education, fitness, and sport. Violet began playing shuffleboard in the 1980s. Over the years since, she has participated in recreational leagues and competitions. When she heard about the National Senior Games, she knew she had to compete. Violet won gold her first year, and this year she takes home a silver. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Violet and can't wait to see how she performs next year. Congratulations to Forest Lake High School

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Forest Lake Area High School for being named a Green Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. This award is given to schools that have recognized the environmental impact of their facility, promote health, and ensure high-quality environmental education programming that prepares students with sustainability skills. Forest Lake Area High School is among only 35 schools, 14 districts, and 4 postsecondary institutions across the country to receive this award. I look forward to welcoming the honorees to Washington, D.C. in September for a ceremony to recognize their wonderful achievement. Congratulations to Forest Lake Area High School for the Green Ribbon School award.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District for receiving the Source Water Protection Award for 2019. Each year, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Rural Water Association recognize water suppliers that conserve resources. This year, the Stearns County facility demonstrated its ability to go above and beyond to help save energy for the community. Over the course of the year, the Stearns County facility updated its wellhead protection activities and ensured its inventory met contamination standards. Because of practices like these, the constituents of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District have access to safe drinking water. Additionally, these efforts worked to conserve water, saving money for the county and bettering the environment. The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District has worked closely with grant programs to raise money for its efforts. The citizens of Stearns County have better access to the services they need because the district has put conservation and health first. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District for this outstanding recognition. We are grateful for its work to help our district and the great State of Minnesota. Recognizing Dan Stoltz

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dan Stoltz for receiving the HERBIE Award. This award from the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals that exemplify the traits inspired by its namesake, Herb Brooks: humanitarian, enterprising, resilient, bold, inspirational, and ethical. Herb Brooks remains a Minnesota legend. As coach of the United States Olympic men's hockey team in 1980, he led them to their gold medal victory with his focus, determination, strong work ethic, and inspirational leadership. As CEO of Spire Federal Credit Union and in his everyday life, I can attest that Dan Stoltz channels the energy of our Minnesota legend, Herb Brooks. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dan for this well-deserved award. Our community appreciates the generosity he provides every day. Congratulating the Schlichtings, Farm Family of the Year

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Schlichting family for being named the University of Minnesota 2019 Farm Family of the Year. The Schlichting farm is a third-generation farm owned and operated by the Rick Schlichting family. His grandparents homesteaded in Rice, Minnesota, in the 1920s. Since then, Rick has taken pride in the land his family has worked and cared for by restoring some of the land to what it was like when his grandparents first settled the property. In fact, close to 70 acres have been reverted to original prairie. The Schlichtings are dedicated to stewardship. In 2016, they were honored with the Outstanding Conservationist Award by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. I am honored to represent farm families like the Schlichtings. They have dedicated themselves to preserving the land while doing their part to feed the world. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Rick and his family for being named Farm Family of the Year. Remembering Gabriele Grunewald

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the incredible life of Gabriele Grunewald, who passed away far too early. Taken by a disease that has impacted the lives of nearly everyone we know, Gabriele was known by the world as an Olympic runner, star track athlete for the University of Minnesota, and someone who fought cancer every step of the way. She used her story and her struggle to share a message of hope. She did this by starting the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, which supports research on rare cancers. A cure is vital, but private and public dollars are necessary to fund this work, which is why we have and should continue to fund the National Institutes of Health. We did not have a cure in time for Gabriele or for all the other loved ones we have already lost, but if we continue to support medical research and innovation, a cure will be found, and we can save future generations from this awful disease. Thanking Brent Hales for His Service and Leadership

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Brent D. Hales for the service and leadership he provided to the University of Minnesota's Extension program. I am also grateful for his participation on my Agricultural Advisory Committee. Brent's service to agriculture in Minnesota has been amazing. His work to foster community development and innovation in agricultural production has served our State well. We have been lucky to benefit from his expertise and commitment. While we will miss him, I want to congratulate Brent for his new role as Penn State's director of extension. As he transitions out of this service to the University of Minnesota on July 31, we wish him the best. Mr. Speaker, I thank Brent, and congratulate him on his new opportunity.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. Cloud Police Department for receiving the United States Department of Justice's L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award. This award recognizes collaborative partnerships between law enforcement and their communities. The St. Cloud Police Department received the award for its Community Outpost Project. The ``Cop House,'' as is it is more commonly known, is a refurbished residential home in a neighborhood that previously experienced a high level of calls for local law enforcement. The St. Cloud Police Department, together with numerous community partners, now provides not only a local gathering place, but safety and health programming for the neighborhood residents out of this home. Congratulations to Chief Blair Anderson, Lieutenant Lori Ellering, the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation, and all of the officers of the St. Cloud Police Department for this well-deserved award. Our community appreciates all of you and all that you do to protect and serve us. Prioritizing Transportation Safety

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, on Minnesota's U.S. Highway 12 between the cities of Independence and my hometown of Delano, in just the last 5 years, there have been 811 crashes in which 239 people have been injured and 24 people have lost their lives. Several of those lost have been high school classmates of my own children. In fact, this past March, Marleena Dieterich, a senior honor student at Delano High School and the child of Thom and Deb, lost her life as she was trying to get home. Recently, Deputy Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration Brandye Hendrickson visited Minnesota on behalf of Secretary Chao. Following a bus tour of the most dangerous stretches of U.S. Highway 12, we held a roundtable with community leaders and residents to discuss possible solutions and the need for action. The accidents and fatalities on this road are avoidable. We continue to urge Secretary Chao to visit and see firsthand the danger this highway presents. Congress must do its part to provide long-term Federal transportation funding for needed infrastructure repairs and improvements. We must find innovative and long-term solutions to address these sorely needed improvements, like the need on U.S. Highway 12. I thank Deputy Administrator Hendrickson and everyone who participated in our roundtable. Together, we will continue fighting for improvements on U.S. Highway 12 until we see the changes that will prioritize the safety of our neighbors, our friends, and our fellow Minnesotans. Inspiring Future Female Leaders

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my staff and to highlight a program our office launched during my first term in Congress for high school women in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. The program is called the Young Women's Leadership Program. In addition to my staff, I want to personally thank the amazing women leaders who have participated in the program and who have agreed to be a resource and mentors for the young women who attend these programs as they get ready for life beyond high school. Every summer, our Young Women's Leadership Program hosts three roundtable discussions featuring high-achieving professional women in our district. To date, we have been honored by the first female brigadier general for both the Army and Air Force, the first Asian American female U.S. district attorney, a surgeon, a college professor, and numerous female entrepreneurs and business owners. This program gives our participants insight into valuable leadership experiences and career advice during a pivotal time in their lives. Our panelists have discussed how to negotiate your first salary, tips for networking successfully, managing a work-life balance, and countless other lessons. We live in a time in our Nation's history where everyone is important and needed, especially strong women. Again, I want to thank the incredible women leaders who have participated in our program to pay it forward for the next generation of women leaders, and I encourage my Republican and Democrat colleagues here in Congress to do the same in all of your districts. A Better Way to Age

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, we recently held a senior forum for residents of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. This forum was an opportunity to connect our seniors and their caregivers with resources to assist with health, lifestyle, and future planning needs. I want to thank the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and the Central Minnesota Council on Aging for partnering with our office to make this event a success. Recently, the House passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act. This nonpartisan law, more commonly known as the SECURE Act, will make it easier to establish retirement plans and removes age limits for IRA contributions. The SECURE Act will allow our seniors more flexibility and improve their quality of life in retirement. This is great, nonpartisan work by Congress. And, going forward, we must all be committed to doing what we can to ensure our seniors are able to plan for their financial futures, stay healthy, and maintain connections to their communities.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on June 27th, I attended my son's induction to the U.S. Naval Academy and was therefore unable to cast my vote on one piece of legislation and approval of the Journal. If present, I would have voted YEA on Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3401 (RC No. 429) and YEA on Approving the Journal (RC No. 430).

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, If present on June 20th and 21st, I would have voted on amendments to H.R. 3055, the Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2020, in the following way: NAY on the Rutherford Amendment (Roll Call No. 368); YEA on the King Amendment (Roll Call No. 369); YEA on the Blumenauer Amendment (Roll Call No. 370); YEA on the Banks Amendment (Roll Call No. 371); NAY on the Golden Amendment (Roll Call No. 372); YEA on the Stevens Amendment (Roll Call No. 373); NAY on the Underwood Amendment (Roll Call No. 374); YEA on the Banks Amendment (Roll Call No. 375); YEA on the Pence Amendment (Roll Call No. 376); YEA on the Spanberger Amendment (Roll Call No. 377); NAY on the Wasserman Schultz Amendment (Roll Call No. 378); NAY on the Pallone Amendment (Roll Call No. 379); NAY on the Buchanan Amendment (Roll Call No. 380); YEA on the Duncan Amendment (Roll Call No. 381); NAY on the Blumenauer Amendment (Roll Call No. 382); YEA on the Gosar Amendment (Roll Call No. 383); YEA on the Duncan Amendment (Roll Call No. 384); YEA on the Mullin Amendment (Roll Call No. 385); YEA on the Mullin Amendment (Roll Call No. 386); YEA on the Graves Amendment (Roll Call No. 387); YEA on the Hice Amendment (Roll Call No. 388); YEA on the Banks Amendment (Roll Call No. 389); YEA on the Biggs Amendment (Roll Call No. 390); NAY on the Cunningham Amendment (Roll Call No. 391); YEA on the Cunningham Amendment (Roll Call No. 392); NAY on the Carbajal Amendment (Roll Call No. 393); NAY on the Hill Amendment (Roll Call No. 394); NAY on the Schrier Amendment (Roll Call No. 395); YEA on the Bost Amendment (Roll Call No. 396); YEA on the Golden Amendment (Roll Call No. 397); and voted YEA on the McAdams Amendment (Roll Call No. 398).

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to echo the concerns of my colleague and friend, Mr. Stauber, over the rejection of our reasonable amendment to this bill in the Rules Committee. In their very last days, the Obama administration ordered Federal control of Minnesota land in the form of a mineral withdrawal proposal. We were told it was a step to protect the environment when, in reality, it was nothing more than Washington telling Minnesotans that they can't be responsible for their own land and resources. Blocking exploration and potential development has devastated the region. That is exactly what this bill will continue to do today if it passes. I introduced the MINER Act 2 years ago to restore the rights and responsibilities back to Minnesotans as stewards of our lands. The House passed our bill last year, closely followed by action from this administration to restore our rights. Yet, bureaucrats from Washington are at it again, this time including a provision in this bill to create the ``study'' that is yet another barrier, another delay tactic outside of the normal regulatory review process. The amendment I offered with Mr. Stauber would address this and simply allow the process to move forward. Let us be clear: Any proposed mine in the area would still need to go through a long and thoroughly detailed review through the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory processes. Leaseholders would be allowed to propose a mine plan of operation and demonstrate how they will protect the environment in the surrounding area. If that plan does not meet the high standards that our State and country require, it will be rejected. Yet, I am disappointed by some of my Minnesota colleagues who do not have faith in the people of our great State. They don't have faith that our people would want to protect our own land while ensuring development and a better future for our children. My colleagues don't want to entertain the potential for thousands of high-paying, labor-negotiated jobs for northern Minnesota and the surrounding region. These same men and women, these miners, are Minnesotans first.

Mr. EMMER. These same men and women, these miners, are Minnesotans first. We are proud of our State's natural beauty, and we are experts when it comes to how to preserve it. I believe my State is perfectly capable of abiding by the existing rules and regulations and determining the best way to use our land. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the rule, and I urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Royce Nelligan for his 41 years of public service. Earlier this month, Royce retired from his position as Minnesota's Small Business Administration district counsel after a 37-year career. Prior to Minnesota's SBA, he served in the U.S. Air Force and the National Park Service. Mr. Speaker, I thank Royce for all of his years of service. I thank him for the work he did to help small businesses grow and prosper all across Minnesota. For all the opportunities he helped create and promote, he left our State and our communities better than when he started. I congratulate him on a job well done, and I wish him luck on his next chapter. Congratulating Andover Fire Department

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Andover Fire Department for being awarded the 2019 Fire Department of the Year by the Minnesota State Fire Department Association. This award recognizes the department's efforts to provide outreach to seniors in the community, to recruit women, and for maximizing the use of available resources. The department's Remember When fire safety program brings firefighters into Andover's senior communities to replace smoke alarms and mitigate any tripping hazards that exist. The department has made significant strides to recruit women firefighters. In fact, Andover is one of the few departments to have a waiting list. Mr. Speaker, I thank the women and men of the Andover Fire Department for keeping our community safe. Special congratulations to Chief Jerry Streich, Deputy Chief Mark Winczewski, and Battalion Chief John Wallace on earning this important recognition. Congratulating Elk River Municipal Utilities

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elk River Municipal Utilities for being a finalist for the 2019 Source Water Protection Award. We often hear when government fails to protect our water, but today, I want to recognize a local utility for going above and beyond to protect our community's water quality. Every year, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Rural Water Association award community facilities for their work to protect community drinking water. This year, Elk River Municipal Utilities, also known as ERMU, of Sherburne County, Minnesota, was chosen as a finalist because of their diligence in prioritizing water quality. ERMU sealed an abandoned well that could have posed a danger to the community's water supply. They consistently examine stormwater ponds and their effects on the treatment of drinking water. They issue rebates for more efficient fixtures. We are proud that this Sixth District utility is an example for our entire State. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Elk River Municipal Utilities for their selection, and I thank them for protecting the health and welfare of their residents and our drinking water. Thank You for Your Leadership, Michael Hemesath

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Michael Hemesath, President of St. John's University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for his commitment to education and his service to the St. John's community. Recently, President Hemesath announced he intends to retire at the end of the academic year. Including his time as a student, President Hemesath has belonged to the St. John's family for 42 years. As President, Michael Hemesath continued and built upon the College of St. John's reputation for developing great talent and strong faith that is reflected in the alumni and Johnnie tradition. In addition, President Hemesath leaves his alma mater with a balanced budget, a renovated Alcuin Library, and new buildings, like the Dietrich Reinhart Learning Commons and the St. John's Bible Gallery. Mr. Speaker, I thank President Hemesath for all he has done for the College of St. John's. While he is moving on to the next chapter of his professional life, he will always be part of the Johnnie family.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on May 9th and 10th, I attended my son's graduation from Naval Academy Preparatory School and was therefore unable to cast my vote on several pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted NAY on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 357 (Roll Call No. 189) and NAY on agreeing to H. Res. 357 (Roll Call No. 190). I would have also voted on amendments to H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act, in the following way: YEA on the Brown Amendment (Roll Call No. 191); YEA on the Holding Amendment (Roll Call No. 192); NAY on the Malinowski Amendment (Roll Call No. 193); and NAY on the Wild Amendment (Roll Call No. 194). I would have voted YEA to recommit H.R. 986 (Roll Call No. 195) and voted NAY on passage (Roll Call No. 196). Despite its title, H.R. 986 does nothing to protect preexisting conditions. Instead, I would have supported my colleague Representative Greg Walden's bill, H.R. 692, the Pre-existing Conditions Protection Act, if it were brought before the House for consideration. Furthermore, I would have voted on amendments to H.R. 2157, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2019, in the following way: NAY on the Perlmutter amendment (Roll Call No. 197); NAY on the Sablan amendment (Roll Call No. 198); NAY on the Huffman amendment (Roll Call No. 199); and YEA on the Fletcher amendment (Roll Call No. 200). I would have voted YEA to recommit H.R. 2157 (Roll Call No. 201) and NAY on passage of H.R. 2157 (Roll Call No. 202). While I support targeted funding to help communities recover from flooding, especially in Minnesota, this bill carelessly adds to our growing national debt. Future generations will be forced to confront the over $22 trillion in debt unless Washington can find a way to reform the appropriations process to address unchecked federal spending.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rice Elementary School for being authorized to teach the Primary Years Program as an International Baccalaureate World School. The International Baccalaureate program takes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing children to learn and collaborate in the classroom. This program provides a unique learning experience to students, expanding their horizons and teaching them about our larger world beyond our own borders. I congratulate the teachers and administrators at Rice Elementary. I thank them for always going above and beyond for their students and their families. I am proud to recognize Rice Elementary School as a leader in education in our great State of Minnesota, the Education State, and in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Congratulations again to the teachers, administrators, and most importantly, the students and their families. Tribute to Retired Chief Petty Officer Alan Dix

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Chief Petty Officer Alan Dix from Elk River, Minnesota, for his service to our country. After serving 24 years in the Navy and being stationed in Iraq, he continues to serve in our community. Chief Petty Officer Dix is responsible for creating the Spirit of Minnesota Tribute Bell. In partnership with Wells Fargo, Alan and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans led the effort to create the Tribute Bell to thank and honor our servicemembers and veterans for their sacrifices to our great Nation. Alan currently serves as the chair of the Minnesota Veterans Team Members Network, which is part of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. The council helps veterans and their families access employment, housing, and legal assistance. Through this organization, Alan made the Spirit of Minnesota Tribute Bell a reality. The bell embodies the symbolism of respect that our community has toward our military. Because of their courage and valor, we are safer and stronger as a country. We are thankful for Alan. He reminds us of how important it is to remember and honor those who gave so much to our Nation. His service and all of his work on behalf of our veterans and their families is greatly appreciated. Recognizing Mitch Eickhoff, 2019 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year