Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, the consequences of the Great Recession have been all too real: homes and jobs lost, retirement plans ruined, and fewer opportunities for Americans from all walks of life. Unfortunately, Dodd-Frank has further entrenched the too-big-to-fail bailout mentality, done little to reduce the likelihood of another severe recession, and hindered economic growth. Thankfully, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act amends the one-size-fits-all approach to regulation taken by Dodd-Frank for large banks, providing a more tailored assessment of these financial institutions when determining their level of risk. This law will require regulators to examine a range of indicators--not just the size of a bank--to understand whether or not a bank could threaten the financial integrity of the United States and whether it should be designated as systemically important. This reform will provide a more pragmatic approach to regulation, which will make the American economy stronger. I want to thank Mr. Luetkemeyer and Chairman Hensarling for their leadership on this issue and those who supported it when it passed in the House last week.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mike Gohman of W. Gohman Construction for being named Builder of the Year by the Builders Association of Minnesota. W. Gohman Construction was established in 1950 by Mike's grandfather, Willard Gohman, out of his shed. Like many of Minnesota's small businesses, this company has evolved and grown. Today Mike is the third generation to own and run this incredible company, and he continually works to uphold the integrity that his father and his grandfather started. To Mike, it has never been just about the success of his company, but of the building industry as a whole. He has been an active member of the Builders Association of Minnesota and the Central Minnesota Builders Association, working to represent his and other companies throughout the St. Cloud community and our State. Mike always goes above and beyond by hosting job site tours, advocating for the building industry at the State capitol, as well as educating elected officials on the issues and concerns of his field. He even recently represented his company and industry at a roundtable we hosted to explain their concerns about our Nation's failing healthcare system. Mike is a true asset to our community and the building industry. He is well deserving of being named Builder of the Year. Congratulations, Mike. Dodd-Frank

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of Minnesota's most promising student athletes, St. John's linebacker Carter Hanson. Carter has been chosen as one of the semifinalists for the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy. This trophy is named after the former St. John's University Hall of Fame, renowned football coach John Gagliardi and is given to the best Division III football player of the year. Carter Hanson has started every season for 4 years, was a preseason All-American, and this year led his team in tackles. Carter doesn't just excel on the football field, but in the classroom and the community as well. He has maintained a 4.0 grade point average for 4 years, and this year, he has been selected as the only Division III finalist for the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy, which is given to the best student athlete in football. Carter is a global business leadership major. He has already put his degree to good work by volunteering in Haiti and for organizations like Kids Against Hunger and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I am proud that a young man like Carter hails from the great State of Minnesota, and I am positive that we are going to see great accomplishments from him in the future. The winner of the Gagliardi Trophy will be announced shortly, and while there is great competition, I am convinced that no one is more deserving than Carter Hanson. Celebrating Mike Gohman of W. Gohman Construction

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and work of Dr. Warren Warwick. As a professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Warwick was a pioneer in the advancement of care for cystic fibrosis patients. Early in his career, Dr. Warwick founded the University of Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, where he served as director for nearly 40 years. Dr. Warwick was known for his compassion, kindness, ingenuity, and tireless commitment to the improvement of patient care. Because of his work, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation patient registry was created. Before the creation of the cystic fibrosis registry, cystic fibrosis patients typically lived into their early childhood. Today, many live well beyond their 50s, thanks largely to the advancements and treatment only possible through the patient registry and Dr. Warwick's unwavering commitment to research and excellence in patient care. In addition to serving his patients, Dr. Warwick honorably served his country for over 30 years in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps, retiring as a colonel. His legacy--one of a passionate pursuit of excellence and dedicating his life to helping others--will live on.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of St. Francis Police Chief Jake Rehling, who lost his battle with a rare form of cancer last month. What a life he lived. Jake Rehling spent his life working tirelessly to better the St. Francis community and the lives of those around him. A native Minnesotan, Jake grew up in Onamia and attended Bethel University, where he studied criminal justice. Upon graduation, Jake joined the St. Francis Police Department where he served for 17 years. His passion for his work and the compassion he displayed to others ultimately led to his promotion to St. Francis police chief earlier this year. Jake was committed to his family and his community. His life is the definition of public service. He will be missed. I would like to express my sincere condolences to Jake's wife, Brooke, and son, Aiden. Please know the impact Jake had on this world will always be remembered. Remembering Dr. Warren Warwick

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Elk River High School football team on their Class 5A State Championship victory. Entering the State title game undefeated, the Elks scored an impressive 42 points and rushed for a total of 446 yards over Spring Lake Park at U.S. Bank Stadium last Saturday. The Elks had an incredible season, averaging 45 points and 449 rushing yards per game. Every Elk deserves mention, but two in particular played a special role in their success--Nick Rice and Sam Gibas. Rice finished the season with 2,154 rushing yards and a total of 25 touchdowns, and Gibas finished with 1,330 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. The Elk River football team worked hard this season under the guidance of Coach Steve Hamilton, and their efforts paid off. Congratulations for being the 2016 Minnesota State high school football champions. Remembering a True Public Servant

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 12 Stearns County dispatchers who received medals of merit for their work during the horrific attack at the Crossroads Center Mall. What seemed like a normal night at a mall in central Minnesota quickly turned into a nightmare when a man began to attack shoppers with a knife. As the attacks unfolded, chaos ensued. What kept this dangerous situation from getting even worse was the dedicated work of these 12 professionals. In 2 hours, they took 250 calls and they made numerous calls to emergency responders to keep them abreast on the most current details of the attack. As a result of their work, there was no loss of life and all shoppers and first responders were able to return home safely to their loved ones that night. While words can never express the full extent of our gratitude, I am proud to stand here today to thank these men and women for their heroic efforts.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a great Minnesota company that is actively helping our Nation's students develop skills that will help them shine in their future success. I am proud that Minnesota's own Best Buy Foundation is giving grants to form programs that will give students the chance to master important technology skills, like coding and graphic design. The world that we are living in is rapidly transforming and technology is quickly becoming more than just a luxury--it is becoming a way of life and a key ingredient to our Nation's future success. What is perhaps most commendable about Best Buy's grant program is that it targets teens who live in underserved communities. If we as a Nation hope to remain not only relevant, but competitive, then everybody must have the chance to strive. I would like to thank the Best Buy Foundation for recognizing the importance of serving the underserved. Stearns County Heroes

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bruce and Sharon Johnson of East Bethel and the Minnesota Fresh Farm for being named the Anoka County Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota. For the past 2 decades, the University of Minnesota has chosen top farming families for their work promoting our State's great agricultural industry. The Minnesota Fresh Farm has been passed down from one generation of the Johnson family to the next and is currently being farmed by Bruce and Sharon Johnson, along with their son, Luke; and his wife, Liz. This year, the Johnson family was chosen for the efforts they have made to educate Minnesota's youth about farming. This includes working with the Opportunity Services in Anoka, an organization that helps individuals with special needs so they can enjoy farming and the great outdoors. The Johnson family were also chosen because of their focus on sustainable production methods and growing food without using pesticides. I want to congratulate the Johnson family and thank them for their efforts to promote the farming life and Minnesota's agricultural industry. Investing in Minnesota's Future

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate five outstanding students in my district who have earned a Fulbright scholarship this year. Austin Barkley of Sartell, Paul Creager of Stillwater, Amy Grant of Big Lake, Natalie Hoidal of Forest Lake, and Jenna Maus of Kimball will each have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lecture, study, teach English, or do research in foreign countries that range from Mexico to Malaysia. Each of these Fulbright scholars will not only have the ability to promote healthy relations and diplomacy with foreign nations, but they will also bring home the knowledge and leadership experience they will gain while abroad. Many past participants of this program have gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields, with some even serving here in Congress. I have no doubt we will see great things from each of these exceptional individuals, and I congratulate and wish them luck on their exciting adventure. Minnesota's Top Farm Family

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and thank the many banks and credit unions in Minnesota's Sixth District who were named a top Minnesota Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These lenders include BankVista, Woodlands National Bank, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation, KleinBank, and the Central Minnesota Credit Union. Promoting small business is vastly important to our State's success. Our great State of Minnesota would not be where it is today without the contributions of these banks and credit unions. Today's small business is tomorrow's big business. Great Minnesota companies like Medtronic and Best Buy exist and have become the powerhouse companies they are today because of the vital support of local lenders. Our community banks and credit unions ensure that business owners and entrepreneurs have the funds necessary to build a business from an idea, creating new jobs and opportunities for Minnesotans from all walks of life. We must never underestimate the importance of our community banks and credit unions, and I am proud to stand here today to recognize their work. Again, congratulations, and thank you for being an important part of our community and our State.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of John Leggate, a Coon Rapids, Minnesota resident who was recently awarded the Anoka County Outstanding Senior Award at the Anoka County Fair. Despite major setbacks, John has been heavily involved in his community. Thirteen years ago, John was given the devastating news that he only had six weeks to live. Instead of giving up, he kept fighting, bravely enduring eleven surgeries and eight years of chemotherapy, all while continuing his service to his community. Today, John helps out with numerous organizations in the community including: Coon Rapids Royalty and Pageant Committees, Coon Rapids Snowflake Days, Community Strength Foundation, Coon Rapids Northstar Lions Club, Coon Rapids Fireworks Festival, Epiphany Church, and Movies in the Park. John Leggate has shown great passion for bettering the community and has helped thousands of people in the process. For all his contributions to our community, we thank John Leggate and congratulate him on his award.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the more than 40 Minnesota Tech firms that made the 2016 Inc. 5,000 list. The Inc. 5,000 list ranks the top 5,000 fastest-growing American private companies each year. This year, an impressive total of 93 Minnesota headquartered companies earned places on this list. Within those 93 companies, a total of 41 Minnesota tech specific companies were recognized. Leadpages, the highest ranking Minnesota tech company, ranks Number 148 with $16.2 million in revenue in 2015. Next, Fitness On Demand is ranked at 559, and Tamarack Consulting at 600. The technology industry is constantly developing and improving--and if our state hopes to remain competitive--we must continue to make technology a priority. With these rising tech companies, we have shown that as a state, Minnesota can not only compete in the tech industry--but that we can excel. Thank you to all the technology companies that have worked hard to get on the 2016 Inc. 5,000 list and congratulations.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jake Berglove, an Elk River resident and Perpich Arts High School senior, for his recent win in the Twin Cities Songwriting Challenge put on by the National Endowment for the Arts. As the Twin Cities Songwriting Challenge winner, Jake, and the other winners from around the nation will go on to compete in New York City. There, Jake will have the chance to earn five thousand dollars and have his song published by Sony. This is an amazing accomplishment as only four contests were held across the nation. Jake's hard work and love for music has gotten him to this point and will help him this fall as he joins the Carlson School of Management class of 2020 at the University of Minnesota. He hopes to go into music and talent management in the future--and I'm sure we will see him continue to achieve great things. Congratulations Jake and good luck.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a champion in the St. Cloud community, St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson. Chief Anderson recently received the 2016 Community Hero Award from the Light the Legacy organization for his incredible work strengthening the connection between the police force he leads and the community that he serves. Blair Anderson has served in law enforcement for the past 20 years. During his years of service, he has encountered many difficult and even dangerous situations. Most notable of these situations was the brutal attacks at the Crossroads Center Mall this past September. The attack at the Crossroads Center Mall truly shook our community to the core, and it was the response of leading community members like Chief Anderson whose unwavering dedication to all of our residents allowed all of us to find peace in our daily lives again. Now, more than ever, our community needs leaders like St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson. It's a great honor to recognize him here today.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Joy and Matthew Molitor, from Minnesota's Sixth District, who received an Angels in Adoption Award this year. The Molitors' adoption story began in 2011. While on a trip to Haiti, they decided to adopt two young children, Wilson and Catherine. For the next 3\1/2\ years, the Molitors visited Haiti 15 times while patiently waiting to take their children home. In 2015, the Molitors received the devastating news that their paperwork was no longer valid and that the Haitian Government was no longer allowing simple adoptions. This did not stop them. For the next 4 months, Joy walked from one government agency to the next, despite the unstable political environment in the country. She was determined not to leave Haiti without her children. As a result of Joy's resolve, she eventually retained the visas for her children, and they were able to go home to Minnesota together. Joy and Matthew Molitor are the perfect example of the lengths one will go because of a parent's love. I am proud to recognize them today. Thank you, Joy and Matthew, and congratulations on your Angels in Adoption Award. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is time to bring awareness to this heartless disease and to the demands and challenges of the families affected. Childhood cancer is an especially important topic in our office. My deputy chief of staff, Robert Boland's daughter, Abigail, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, which is a rare cancer that affects the eyes, when she was only 2 months old. Thankfully, Abigail survived her cancer and is a happy, growing little girl. Abigail and her parents are fortunate, but they, like all families who deal with childhood cancer, had many a sleepless night. No parent should ever have to watch a child fight a life-threatening disease. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many. Every year in the United States, there are more than 15,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer. Statistics show that 80 percent of childhood cancer cases are diagnosed only after the disease has already metastasized and spread. This makes research absolutely necessary. That is why we must spread the word and raise awareness. All children deserve a future, and it is vital that we do everything in our power to help give them that chance.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Hormel Foods CEO Jeffrey Ettinger on his upcoming retirement. Hormel is a recognized Minnesota leader in food processing. The company started in Austin, Minnesota, in 1891 and is best known for giving us the famous canned ham--Spam. Jeffrey's career at Hormel Foods has now spanned nearly three decades. From starting out as a corporate attorney in 1989 to eventually becoming the CEO in 2005, Jeffrey has played a crucial role in Hormel's success. Jeffrey encouraged a focus on new product innovation, and under his leadership, Hormel has continued to grow and thrive. During his time with Hormel, Jeffrey has even been recognized as one of the world's best CEOs by Barron's--a true tribute to his work ethic and excellence. While he is retiring as CEO, Jeffrey's leadership at Hormel will go on, as he will continue to serve as chairman of the board. Congratulations on your retirement, Jeffrey, and thank you for all of the work you have done for Hormel Foods so that it remains a leading company in the food industry both in Minnesota and in our great country. Top Honors for Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Minnesota's very own Anoka-Ramsey Community College, which has recently been named one of the top 10 community colleges in the United States. This placement has made Anoka-Ramsey Community College a contender for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. It is no surprise to me that Anoka-Ramsey, the sole Minnesota contender to be recognized, has been chosen for this prestigious award given its stellar reputation throughout our community. This fine higher learning institution is well-known for affordable tuition, a high success rate of students who graduate, as well as high achievement rates for students of every ethnicity and background. A good education can open doors in life. Thank you, Anoka-Ramsey, for handing our students the key. Good luck in the competition, and congratulations on your success. A Parent's Love

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank a true American hero, Jason Falconer, for his bravery during a time of grave crisis in Minnesota. This past weekend, terror struck our community when an attacker, whom the Islamic State took responsibility for, stepped into the Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud with an evil intention: to kill innocent Minnesotans. The targets of this malicious plan were parents and their children, college students taking a break from their studies, and mall employees, all of whom found themselves suddenly trapped in a horrible nightmare. This cowardly attacker had already stabbed 10 victims and may have succeeded in taking life if it were not for the heroic actions of an off-duty Avon police officer, Jason Falconer, who confronted and shot the attacker-terrorist before he could do more harm. Mr. Speaker, words cannot adequately express the gratitude those of us in my State have for Jason Falconer. He stepped in when he was needed most and protected those around him without even the slightest hesitation or concern for his own safety. During such troubling times, it is a comfort to know that there are true heroes like Jason Falconer among us. Thank you, Jason, and God bless you.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Hazel Youngmann, a St. Cloud native who dedicated her life to helping the disabled. Hazel worked tirelessly to reform our community in order to make it more accessible for those with disabilities. She did so through her work on the Whitney Senior Center Board, the St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Board, and the Stearns County Human Services Advisory Committee, just to name a few. Even though Hazel had her own limitations with mobility, hearing loss, and vision loss, she pushed through and attended countless meetings despite the physical toll it took on her. Hazel's unwavering optimism, determination, and passion for others is an inspiration and should serve as a model for the rest of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hazel and her loved ones during this difficult time. Be assured and comforted that her legacy will live on. Everson's Hardware Celebrates 50 Years of Success

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Everson's Hardware in Waconia, Minnesota, for 50 years of business success. Ron and Mary Ann Everson bought the store back in 1966, when they were just a young couple with two growing children. Throughout the years, Everson's Hardware has become a well-respected and established part of the community, and the Everson family has realized their American Dream. Eventually, Ron and Mary Ann passed the store along the way to Tracy and Deborah Everson, who continue to work behind the counter in this family store today. Small, family-operated businesses are what make Minnesota so great. They make our community special. I want to thank the Everson family for their lasting contribution to Waconia. Congratulations and best of luck on the next 50 years.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of Keith Kieffer, which has made him the deserving recipient of the Humanitarian Service Medal. Keith began his service to this great Nation when he joined the Air Force in 1975. Three years after his enlistment, Keith received orders to go to Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where his mission was to clean up contamination from 43 atomic bombs that were dropped on that island. During his time on the island, Keith cleaned up World War II wreckage as well as dug trenches, which exposed him to contaminated soil. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1978, Keith earned the title of ``Atomic Veteran.'' Keith is a true American hero. He selflessly put his own well-being on the line to protect future generations. Congratulations on receiving the long, overdue Humanitarian Service Medal, Keith. Your service will never be forgotten. Remembering Hazel Youngman

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, government doesn't create jobs; people create jobs. But with the President, Congress can create Federal policies that establish a pro-worker and pro-business environment to lift people out of poverty, to help families, and to allow Americans to realize their greatest dreams. One problem today that is impeding job growth is the access to capital for small business. Often, American entrepreneurs can't get the money they need to start a new enterprise or to grow an existing one. In fact, small businesses still create the majority of new jobs in our country today despite the fact that far fewer small business loans are being made today than were being made prior to the 2008 recession. Compounding this problem even further is the unfortunate reality that entrepreneurs from less affluent communities often have the greatest difficulty in securing the capital they need to make their business dreams come true. As a result, thousands of jobs and hundreds of new products are left on the drawing board as unrealized aspirations of American entrepreneurs. Thankfully, if the rule before us today is adopted, the House can consider four solutions that will address this small business access to capital problem immediately. The Accelerating Access to Capital Act of 2016 will make it easier for businesses to raise capital. First, thanks to Congresswoman Wagner, this legislation will make it easier for small companies to comply with SEC security registration requirements by simplifying the process, by eliminating duplicative paperwork, and by, ultimately, allowing people to do their business instead of compliance. Second, thanks to Congressman Garrett's Private Placement Improvement Act, the bill will make it easier for small businesses to raise capital under rule 506 of regulation D, ultimately leading to greater access to capital for small businesses and unleashing the full potential of title II of the JOBS Act. Third, the Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act will make it easier for Americans to raise capital from friends and family if three simple criteria are met. These three criteria include that the investor has a substantive preexisting relationship with the owner, that there are 35 or fewer investors, and that the aggregate amount of the investment does not exceed $500,000. Additionally, this provision would exempt such offerings from blue sky requirements, but with all Federal and State antifraud laws remaining in effect. It is important to note that this micro offering proposal does not create a new law, but, rather, simply clarifies an existing law by making an explicit safe harbor for certain private security offerings under the Securities Act of 1933. Finally, thanks to Congressman Hurt and Congressman Vargas, the Investment Advisers Modernization Act will modernize the Investment Advisers Act by removing redundancies and making necessary enhancements to increase capital formation. With American productivity decreasing, wages essentially stagnant, and the U.S. economy struggling to get to historically normal GDP growth levels, these proposals in the Accelerating Access to Capital Act will help jump-start our ailing economy. By providing new opportunities to make the most of capital formation vehicles that are already available or by creating new ones, these proposed reforms will enable American entrepreneurs and small businesses to access the capital they need to grow and to prosper. I thank the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Financial Services Committee for prioritizing the consideration of these pro- business, pro-jobs, and antipoverty bills. I encourage my colleagues in the House to support the rule. This is a tremendous opportunity for the House to support Main Street mom-and-pop stores, aspiring entrepreneurs, and established manufacturers to create jobs, wealth, and opportunity for Americans from all walks of life.

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota

Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Anoka County Farm Bureau. As a supporter of agriculture in Minnesota's Sixth District, the Anoka County Farm Bureau does an excellent job promoting the interests of Minnesota's farmers and their products and produce. For many farmers in Minnesota, farming is not just a job; it is a way of life often passed from one generation to the next. They work 7 days a week, from dusk till dawn, to ensure that our groceries are stocked and that Minnesotans are fed quality food. It is not an easy job, but it is a vital one. As the backbone of Minnesota's economy, our farmers deserve as much help as possible. Without the constant support of the Anoka County Farm Bureau, our district and our State would not be where it is today. That is why I not only want to congratulate the Anoka County Farm Bureau on this very special anniversary, but I want to thank them for supporting Minnesota farmers for the past century, and we look forward to a long future.