Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a first responder in my district, Tom Fennell. Tom has been nominated for the American Ambulance Association's Star of Life Award; a prestigious recognition given to those who have made exceptional contributions to the emergency medical services (EMS) community. Tom's journey into emergency medical services began in his childhood, growing up with ambulances in his garage. His father owned a local ambulance service, instilling in Tom a deep appreciation for the lifesaving work of EMS providers. After leaving home, Tom continued to his involvement in EMS, working with a Basic Life Support ambulance service which he helped evolve into an Advanced Life Support service. Tom's dedication and expertise were evident and he quickly became recognized as a leader in the field. He went on to serve as a regulator for the State of Minnesota's EMS Section, gaining valuable insights into the challenges faced by ambulance service providers across the state. Tom has made a profound impact on the emergency medical services community in St. Cloud and across Minnesota. He is an inspiration to all those who have had the opportunity to work alongside him. Throughout the years, we have been grateful to see many exceptional Minnesotans honored as American Ambulance Association Star of Life recipients. America's first female Emergency Medical Technician and Star of Life Recipient, Rose Pelzel, and her fellow Star of Life recipient, Marcia Anderson, were both panelists in our office's Young Women's Leadership Program. Both women are pioneers in the emergency medical services field, and we were lucky to have them participate. Congratulations to Tom on joining these impressive ranks, and I thank him for all his work on behalf of EMTs and first responders in Minnesota.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Waconia Firefighter Jeffrey Borg who passed away late last month. Jeff's passion for helping others was evident in everything he did. As a firefighter for more than 27 years, he risked his life to protect the safety of his community. Over his years of service to the department, he went on to train many new firefighters, including his son Carter. The father-son duo served together in the Waconia Fire Department during the last few years of Jeff's life. As an employee of the City of Victoria, Jeff took pride in his work and put the needs of others first, often working 18-hour shifts plowing snow for the city and then coming home to plow his driveway. During his tenure at the City of Victoria, he joined the Victoria Fire Department while simultaneously serving as a firefighter for the City of Waconia. Jeff will be remembered as a loving father, husband and son. Whether it was serving as pit crew to his father LeRoy in local demolition derbies or being the number-one fan at his kids' sports games. Jeff's happiest moments were by his family's side. We offer our deepest condolences to Jeff's family, friends and colleagues. May his memory bring them comfort during this challenging time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Leander Wetter who passed away earlier this month. Leander was born in the summer of 1940 and quickly fell in love with life on the farm. He was a leader in the agriculture community and was often the first in the area to try a new farming technique. All farmers are dedicated to their farms and animals, but Leander was special. Through decades of hard work, he grew his farm to one of the largest in the area. Leander was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was married to his beloved wife, Mary, for 48 years and the pair were blessed with three children and three grandchildren. Leander was also an avid lover of history. He was a longstanding member of the Wright County Historical Society where he spent countless hours telling stories and educating the community about our local history. His love of history was melded with his love of agriculture in his antique tractors and steam engines collection. Leander was a proud founding member of the Rogers Threshing Show and often would show his collection at these events. I had the pleasure of attending a threshing show with the Wetters and was impressed by Leander's collection and encyclopedia-like knowledge of these machines. As events grew, so did his involvement in the group, at one point Mary and Leander even donated a large shed to the show to ensure its future success. Leander and his wife Mary were heavily involved in local politics as well. I have many fond memories of bumping into them while attending events in Wright County and throughout the Sixth District. Our team will miss seeing Leander by Mary's side at these events. From his work on the family farm to his involvement in Wright County, Leander was a leader in his community. To his wife Mary and the rest of the Wetter family, we offer our sincerest condolences and pray that Leander's memory will comfort them all during this difficult time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, Kevin McCarthy has earned this. Under Speaker McCarthy's leadership, our House Republican majority has actually defied all odds and overperformed expectations again and again and again. It all started with the Speaker's race when our Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, showed the American people how he would never give up. It carried over into the Speaker spearheading a Rules package to create the most transparent, Member-driven legislative process that I have ever seen since I have been here. Since then, Speaker McCarthy's Republican majority has been successful in bringing common sense back to our Nation's capital by passing legislation to affirm a parents' right to be involved in their child's education, bolster American energy production, fully fund veterans' care and benefits, fight back against the regulatory state, and continue delivering on our promise to rein in Democrats' reckless spending by passing fiscally responsible appropriations bills. We have also achieved historic conservative wins like passing the strongest border security legislation in history, passing the first Republican-only NDAA in history, and passing the first Republican-only State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. So many Americans are better off because of Kevin McCarthy's leadership: American families, jobs creators, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, law enforcement officers, and the list goes on and on. These are just a few of our House Republican majority successes. Make no mistake, we need Kevin McCarthy to remain Speaker if we are going to stay focused on our mission of delivering commonsense wins for the American people. We have shown Americans what success looks like when we come together as a team. Now it is time for us to stand together stronger than ever so we can get back to the work our majority was elected to do. I am proud to support the Speaker as we continue championing conservative priorities that will put our country on a better path. Mr. Speaker, I thank Speaker McCarthy.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Rono, an Eagle Scout and student at Blaine High School. Andrew is a shining example of what it means to be a community servant. For years, he has dedicated his time and energy to helping others, especially those in need. As a member of the ``Bengals in Action'' Youth Service Club, Andrew volunteers at the North Anoka County Emergency food shelf. There he helps sort and pack food donations and even delivers meals to those who can't easily leave the house. While volunteering, Andrew and his friend Aaron noticed that food shelf staff members were spending an extraordinary amount of time manually entering food shelf orders into the computer. Being high school students immersed in technology, Aaron and Andrew sprang into action. They created an application to track the food shelf data more effectively. Their digital application keeps records of past food shelf orders, family members, and dietary restrictions, which customers can reuse each time they come in. By creating this application, Andrew and Aaron have cut food shelf clients waiting time in half, allowing nutritious food to reach its destination faster than ever. In recognition of their efforts, Andrew and Aaron were recently presented with the Congressional Award. The award represents the highest Congressional honor available for young Americans. Andrew and Aaron are true inspirations and examples of what it means to be a community servant. They are bright young men committed to making a difference in the world and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years to come.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aaron Anderson for his efforts to better his community. In high school, Aaron was a dedicated member of the youth service club at Blaine High School. As a member of ``Bengals in Action,'' he spent countless hours volunteering at the North Anoka County Emergency food shelf. While volunteering, he noticed a problem with the procedure for taking orders. Luckily for Aaron, the solution lay in another area of his interest, technology. Aaron, with the help of his friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Andrew, created a software application to help track the food shelf's orders. The application immediately helped reduce confusion when taking orders and increased efficiency in sorting and packaging donations for distribution. Their application keeps records of past food shelf orders, family members, and dietary restrictions, which customers can reuse each time they come in. In fact, their program has allowed food and necessities to be delivered to clients in half the time. In recognition of their efforts, Aaron and Andrew were recently presented with the Congressional Award. The award represents the highest Congressional honor available for young Americans. Aaron and Andrew are true inspirations and examples of what it means to be a community servant. They are bright young men committed to making a difference in the world and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years to come.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Bill Friberg, a World War II veteran from Big Lake, Minnesota, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Bill joined the Marine Corps just days before the start of World War II. After basic training, Bill was deployed to Hawaii and then the Pacific theater, where he helped construct an airfield that was used by pilots during the Battle of Guadalcanal. He also helped with the B-17 Bombers while doing reconnaissance missions in the area. After his commanding officer was shot down during an aerial dogfight, Bill began working on airplanes, performing maintenance jobs such as fixing hydraulic leaks. Eventually, Bill began servicing Hellcat fighter planes which often needed to be started by igniting a shotgun shell. Later in his military career, Bill was stationed aboard the USS Block Island where he continued aircraft maintenance, including on the famous Vought Corsair. Bill was not the only Friberg to serve our country during World War II. Bill's brother, Roland, served as an underwater demolition expert who saw action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. While Bill was stationed at Manila Bay, his brother surprised him aboard his ship and the brothers were able to have lunch together. After the war ended, Bill was among a group of soldiers that was sent to Japan to liberate American Prisoners of War, a dangerous yet important mission that Bill and his fellow Marines accomplished without fault. Following his honorable service, Bill worked at the VA before embarking on a 35-year career with Northern States Power. During his retirement, he pursued his passion for golf and remained an avid player until the age of 95, remarkably achieving four holes-in-one throughout his lifetime. I thank Bill for his service and congratulate him on reaching this impressive milestone.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Craig R. Miller, of Foley, Minnesota, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Craig was born in Litchfield, Minnesota in 1968 and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1986. After high school he continued his education at St. Cloud State University, graduating with a degree in Aviation and Business Management. For the next two decades, Craig built a successful career at Ben's Structural Fabrication in Waite Park where he became a Vice President. Outside of his day job, Craig also volunteered at the Clear Lake Fire & Rescue Department for 18 years. During his years in service to the department, he became Assistant Chief and received the Clear Lake Firefighter of the Year Award. He was an avid hockey fan; Craig played, coached, refereed and was lucky enough to be a Wild season ticket holder for many years. In the spring and summer, Craig loved playing golf, taking care of his yard and smoking meat at his barbeque and sharing with friends and neighbors. From the fire department to his job at Ben's, Craig took pride in everything he did. To his children Kylie and Steven, and the rest of the Miller family, we offer our sincerest condolences and pray that Craig's memory will comfort them all during this challenging time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Detective Barrett Chrissis, who is retiring after more than 37 years in law enforcement. Barrett has truly lived a life in service to his community and collected many uniforms along the way. Barrett began his career in law enforcement at Moorhead State University's Criminal Justice Program, where he served as a correctional officer and part-time police officer. During this time, he worked for the Clay County and Becker County Sheriff's Offices and the city police departments of Moorhead, Dilworth, Glyndon, Hawley and Detroit Lakes. In 1993, Barrett became a full-time investigator for the North Dakota State Attorney's office. He worked there for two years prior to being called home to Dilworth to serve as the city's first full-time detective. During that time, he also served as a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy and a courtroom security officer. In 2003, Barrett joined the Buffalo Police Department as a Detective and has been with the department since. He is the incoming chairman of the Minnesota Children's Justice Act Task Force, where he has served as a voice for law enforcement for the past six years. As a court-certified expert witness in sex crimes investigations since 2010, Barrett has instructed law enforcement, county attorneys, medical personnel, and victim advocates on sex crimes investigations on behalf of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. A pivotal moment in Barrett's career came in 2021 during the tragic Allina Health Clinic shooting in Buffalo. As a result of his bravery and role on the initial entry team during the attack, he was awarded the Medal of Valor by the Buffalo Police Department in March 2022. The medal is the highest possible award given by law enforcement. Through his heroic service to our communities, Barrett has kept thousands of Minnesotans safe. While the community of Buffalo will miss him, we thank him for his years of service to our community and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dale Schneider, who passed away last week at the age of 76. Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Dale took over the family-owned Sal's Bar and Grill in St. Joseph, Minnesota, from his parents in 1971. Sal's is at the crossroads of St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict, where all things Johnnies and Bennies reign supreme. For over 50 years, Dale kept thirsty students, faculty, and community members well hydrated and fed. Dale had a steel trap of a memory that helped to remember names of college alumni years after graduation. In some cases, he also remembered their outstanding bar tabs. I had the pleasure of getting to know Dale during my many visits to Sal's over the years. No trip to a Johnnies football game was complete without a post-game beer at Sal's. There is some solace in the fact that the next time I am at Sal's, I will likely see his son, Kyle, tending bar just like his dad. To Dale's wife, Diane, and the rest of the family, we pray that Dale's lasting memory gives you comfort during this difficult time. A great life lived.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dale Schneider, who passed away on April 14, 2023, at the age of 76. Born in St. Cloud, Dale took over the family-owned Sal's Bar and Grill in St. Joseph, Minnesota from his parents in 1971. Sal's is at the

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very brave young man from the Sixth Congressional District. In November, 4-year-old Asher Milless saved his mother's life during a medical emergency. Rachel Milless, Asher's mother, was at her home in Orrock Township when she suddenly collapsed in their kitchen. Asher sprung into action, calling his grandmother for help, who was able to contact Asher's father. After speaking with Asher's grandmother, Asher's father, Tyler, called 9-1-1 with help on the way, Asher unlocked the front door so paramedics could get inside. Amazingly, Asher was even able to get his mother's nebulizer working and comfort her until help arrived. Once on the scene, paramedics were able to stabilize Rachel and get her to the hospital. Without Asher's quick thinking, Rachel likely wouldn't be alive today. As a result of his quick thinking and courageous actions, Asher was recently awarded the Life Saving Award by the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office for his outstanding work and I congratulate him on his award.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Patti Gartland. Patti is retiring this May from her role as president of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation. Patti has led the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) for the past 10 years. During that time, she oversaw the considerable economic expansion of the Greater St. Cloud region. Part of her efforts to increase the visibility of the area included the launch of GreaterStCloudJobSpot.com, a local job board that is updated daily with thousands of local jobs. She was also integral to the development of St. Cloud Shines, a digital marketing initiative that has attracted more than 170 million impressions online. Before joining the GSDC, Patti served as the city administrator for Sartell for nearly 12 years, where she helped coordinate emergency response efforts following the tragic paper mill explosion. Prior to that, Patti worked for the City of St. Cloud for 15 years, the last 13 of which she served as the city's planning director. Since 2014, Patti has been a member of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, serving as its vice chair. In this role, she has continued to advocate for our community and was partially responsible for creating the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority, expanding service to our region. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Patti for many years. I thank Patti, for the incredible impact she has had on the Greater St. Cloud region. On behalf of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, I wish her all the best and hope she enjoys her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Lee Larkey, of Avon, Minnesota, who passed away on December 15, 2022. Lee was born in Great Falls, Montana on July 15, 1939. Though he was born in Montana, Lee was a faithful and devoted Minnesotan who dedicated his life to the service of others. After graduating from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota in 1961, Lee joined the United States Air Force. During his time in the service, he rose to the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged in November of 1972. Following his time in the Air Force, Lee began work as a Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service. After his retirement, he continued to help friends and family prepare tax returns and negotiate resolutions to difficult tax cases. Lee spent countless hours championing the pro-life movement through his involvement with Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. At the Minnesota State Capitol and at the U.S. Capitol, Lee advocated on behalf of the unborn and fought for the rights of the most vulnerable in our society. He was also an active member of the Republican Party at the state and local levels. Members of our office will remember Lee as an engaged constituent and a passionate advocate for limited government and fiscal responsibility. Outside of politics, Lee enjoyed spending time in his garden with his wife, where they grew a variety of herbs and vegetables together. He was also an active beekeeper, raising bees and selling their honey through his business, Honey Hut. Lee dedicated his life to the service of his country, his family, friends, and community. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. On behalf of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, we offer our sincerest condolences to Bernadette and the rest of the Larkey family, and pray that Lee's memory will comfort their family during this difficult time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant, Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes. Chief Hughes is retiring this March after more than 32 years of service to the Sartell community. Chief Hughes began his career as a patrol officer in Kasson, Minnesota, and later served as the interim Chief of Police for the City of Claremont, Minnesota. He began his career in Sartell in 1991, holding key positions in nearly every area of the department. Chief Hughes served as a field training officer, a sergeant, and a lieutenant before being appointed chief in 2004. He also currently serves as the Chair of the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force and Chair of the State of Minnesota Violent Crime Coordinating Council. After more than 30 years in Sartell, Jim has seen the city grow from a few thousand to nearly 20,000 residents. This increase has resulted in both a shift in the needs of the community and the responsibilities of the department, which Chief Hughes has handled masterfully. In his resignation letter, Chief Hughes described the importance of connecting with and being engaged in the community. ``My favorite part of being with the Sartell Police Department is that we've remained committed to our community via outreach programs and the interaction we have with residents on a daily basis,'' he said. Clearly, Chief Hughes understood what it meant to not only protect his community but truly serve them. I thank Chief Hughes for the incredible impact he has had on the Sartell Police Department and the community of Sartell at large. Congratulations, and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of LeRoy Edwin Elfmann, who passed away on January 6th of this year. From humble beginnings on a dairy farm in Maple Lake, Minnesota, LeRoy set out to live a life of service. After graduating from Maple Lake High School in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army. LeRoy served in the Army for more than 20 years, and his service took him all over the world. After serving his country on deployment in Guam, Cambodia, Hungary, and Finland, he was honorably discharged after rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. However, LeRoy's service to his country did not end after his military career did. After more than 20 years in the armed forces, LeRoy joined the Defense Intelligence Agency. While there, he served as a trusted representative of the United States, advocating for our great nation around the world on intelligence and security concerns. LeRoy was involved in many high-profile intelligence operations, including the capture of Ana Montes, a spy who infiltrated the Defense Intelligence Agency and spied on behalf of the Cuban government for 17 years. With LeRoy's help, Ms. Montes was arrested in September of 2001 and charged with conspiracy to commit espionage. She eventually pled guilty and was sentenced to a 25-year prison term. In recognition of his more than 36 years of service to the agency, LeRoy was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Director of National Intelligence. His distinguished career with the Defense Intelligence Agency took him to more than 67 countries. During one of these trips, he met his beloved wife, Mary. They were married in Singapore, where they met, in February 1977. Between overseas trips, the couple made their home in Arlington, Virginia until their retirement in 2011. During retirement, Mary and LeRoy were heavily involved in their community and stayed active through their membership in a square-dancing club in Monticello, the County Line Squares. Together, they participated in many square-dancing events in Minnesota and attended numerous square-dancing conventions around the United States. LeRoy also held multiple leadership positions in the state-wide organization, Square Dance Minnesota. When they weren't square dancing or traveling together, Mary and LeRoy enjoyed spending time on the farm, planting and harvesting crops with their nephews. LeRoy also spent free time organizing and tracing his family's genealogy. LeRoy dedicated his life to the service of his country and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. He will be dearly missed. We offer our sincerest condolences to Mary and the rest of the Elfmann family, and pray LeRoy's memory will comfort them during this difficult time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Willie O'Ree, who today celebrates the 65th anniversary of his first game in the National Hockey League. On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree became the first Black player in NHL history when he stepped on the ice as a winger for the Boston Bruins. Willie went on to play more than 24 seasons in the NHL and minor leagues, overcoming bigotry and prejudice from fellow players and fans alike. On and off the ice, Willie became a champion for diversity in the sport. Following his retirement from the game, he became the NHL's Diversity Ambassador. In that role, he established the Hockey is for Everyone initiative to offer disadvantaged and marginalized children the chance to play hockey, create community, and develop important life skills. In the 117th Congress, we joined Representatives Mike Quigley, Brian Higgins, John Katko, and Ayanna Pressley as co-leads of the Willie O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act. We are proud to say that last year, the bill passed, and Willie was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. I congratulate Willie on this amazing milestone and thank him for everything he has done for the sport.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6218, which would designate the postal facility on Blattner Drive in Avon, Minnesota, as the Warrant Officer Candidate Kort Miller Plantenberg Post Office. Kort was a true Minnesotan. He was born in St. Cloud, raised in Avon, and he graduated from the University of Minnesota in Duluth. In 2016, Kort enlisted in the National Guard as an aircraft electrician. During his time with the Guard, he served a 9-month deployment in Kuwait, where his unit provided aerial medical evacuation. Later, when he returned home, he was hired as a Federal technician, a UH60 mechanic at St. Cloud's Army Aviation Support Facility. Kort was only 28 when he lost his life 3 years ago this month in a tragic helicopter accident. Two other guardsmen, James A. Rogers, Jr., and Charles P. Nord, lost their lives in the same accident. I am very pleased that my friend and fellow colleague in the Minnesota delegation (Mrs. Fischbach), has offered legislation that will rename post offices in her district in honor of James and Charles. Kort will be remembered for his passion for flying and for his love of his family and friends. Naming the Avon Post Office after him will allow the community to honor his service to this country and to the great State of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support H.R. 6218 honoring an America patriot who paid the ultimate sacrifice to our Nation. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Schiefelbein, Jr. Frank passed away earlier this week at the age of 89. Frank, or ``Big Frank,'' as so many of us knew him, is survived by his wife, Frosty. Over the course of their nearly 70-year marriage, they were blessed with 9 children, 32 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren, with number 32 on the way. Big Frank was a giant in Minnesota agriculture. Following in his father's footsteps as a farmer, Big Frank grew his herd of Angus cattle to the largest in Minnesota and one of the largest in the United States. He was an active member of the Minnesota Cattlemen's Association. Today, his sons carry on that legacy, with seven of them working on the farm and his son Don serving as president of the National Beef Cattlemen's Association. After the tragic loss of their third son, Bill, to an 11-year battle with schizophrenia, Big Frank spent thousands of hours helping those in need, advocating for legislation to address the mental health crisis and ensuring better care for those struggling. Big Frank was known for his big personality. His loss will be felt by all of us who had the privilege to know him. He was a great man who led an incredible life.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the story of a fellow Minnesotan, Joe Mottlow. On Wednesday June 14, 2017, Joe, (aka- JoeJoe Tough as he's become known since his battle began), was admitted to the hospital with an enlarged spleen. Within the next few days Joe, a previously healthy 35- year-old, learned he had a type of leukemia called ALL (b-cell) IGH which carried with it a measly 15 percent two-year survival rate for adults. While he and his mom sat stunned after the doctor left the room, Joe said, ``great news about Mark and Natalie!'' That morning his cousin and wife announced they were pregnant with their first child. Joe's mom began to cry and Joe just consoled her saying, ``let's just have fun with this.'' That's Joe. Always thinking about those he loves. This was the beginning of a 5\1/2\ year rolling coaster ride full of laughs, fears, cries and camaraderie--a ride that still continues. Joe, a guy who has never met a stranger, is a different kind of fellow. The most unaverage average Joe you will ever meet--and if you do meet him, know this, he'll never forget YOU. Because not only will you learn his story, he'll learn your story as well. Originally it was thought a bone marrow transplant was going to be his cure. Thankfully Joe's brother was a 100 percent match and the transplant seemed to do the trick and cure Joe. Unfortunately, this dreaded pest not only came back, but continued to come back 5 more times. Having a nearly incurable type of leukemia for an adult, Joe has willingly been a trailblazer, trying out new treatments and old treatments used in new ways, to help not only try to cure him, but hopefully open up the door to curing many others. Joe has endured a grueling chemo regiment, two different newer immunotherapy treatments, an experimental CAR-T trial that brought him out to Seattle, another bone marrow transplant and yet another CAR-T trial right in our own backyard at the University of MN. Joe was only the 21st person to attempt this particular type of cure. This one worked for over a year, but this summer Joe learned the beast was back and his time was short. He was told that modern medicine could only hope to promise him three to six months. Joe's bucket list is now the priority--a list filled with connections to others. Early on in this journey, his Aunt Allison took Joe to the clinic and observed that cancer does not discriminate. Looking around the waiting room there were rich and poor, young and old. If it wants you, it gets you. She also watched Joe connecting with those in the waiting room. So many stories have been told about Joe helping other patients get through their cancer nightmares. Get up. Get dressed. Smile. Live. Joe's smile and inspiration have not gone unnoticed. Joe's doctors let the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society know about this amazing guy their patients kept talking about. How this guy just started talking to them while they sat in the clinic, full of anxiety and sadness, and the next thing they knew they are laughing, talking the uncomfortable conversations of their cancer journey, and finding camaraderie. Joe has started group outings and text chains bringing cancer warriors together to support and love one another. These groups brought diverse unlikely people together and have made all their lives richer for having cancer and learning to dig deep to find friendship and grace in the process. Accolades have come Joe's way. The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society nominated Joe for ``Man of the Year'' 2020, and recently honored him with their prized ``Lifetime Achievement'' award. One of Joe's clinic buddies wanted to thank the U of M for saving his life, but realized science was only part of his success. This buddy felt JoeJoe Tough gave him the fight and positivity that pushed him over the finish line and is now working with the U to develop a virtual workout motivational program that will soon be available to patients. When completed, it will be named in Joe's honor. Accolades are wonderful, but it's the love and support Joe has received from his army of JoeJoe Toughens that has humbled and inspired him. Who has over 2000 friends? Friends, not donors, wanting something from you--but ride or die type friends? Joe does. Why? Because he is ``that'' friend we all want and is so hard to find. Joe listens and hears others, and that is what makes Joe an unaverage average Joe.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant and a good friend, St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson. Blair will be retiring this November after nearly 10 years of service to the St. Cloud community. He leaves behind a legacy of distinguished service that made our community safer and will not soon be forgotten. Before becoming Chief of Police in St. Cloud, Blair was a member of the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, where he started his career as an intern in 1995. He rose within the ranks and left as a Commander in 2011 to serve as Chief Deputy in Carver County. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Blair embraced the St. Cloud community and made meaningful changes during his many years of service. One change we are particularly proud of is the St. Cloud Police Department's Community OutPost or COP House program that Chief Anderson created. The COP House serves as a place for residents of the St. Cloud community and local law enforcement to gather and participate in afterschool programs, receive health services, and build meaningful relationships with one another. The impact the COP House has had on the St. Cloud community is incredible and one that we've been working to turn into a national model for improving community/police relations. This is just one of the many improvements Blair made during his tenure that will continue to serve the entire St. Cloud community long after his retirement. There is a reason all marked St. Cloud Police vehicles say ``To serve and protect'' on them, rather than the reverse. Chief Blair Anderson has made service to the St. Cloud community the cornerstone of his department. Under his watch, we all breathed a little easier. He will be greatly missed by the St. Cloud community, but his legacy will never be forgotten.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, we come together to honor a friend and colleague who we lost earlier this year, and to welcome a new Member into the House of Representatives, our friend, Mr. Brad Finstad. Six months have passed since we lost our friend Jim Hagedorn to cancer, and his absence continues to be felt in this Chamber and throughout southern Minnesota. Our thoughts remain with his family, as we all know how significant a loss it has been for them and for all of us. Earlier this week, however, the residents of Minnesota's First Congressional District elected Brad Finstad to carry out Congressman Hagedorn's legacy of relentless representation in the House of Representatives. They could not have made a better choice. As a fourth generation Minnesotan, Brad truly represents the best values of our State. Honesty, integrity, and the willingness to answer the call to serve. Born and raised on his family farm in New Ulm, Minnesota, Brad grew up understanding the importance of a hard day's work, a trade he still appreciates and carries with him every single day. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, his work on the family farm led Brad to join the Minnesota Farm Bureau and eventually to serve three terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. In 2017, Brad was appointed by President Trump as the Director of Rural Development of USDA in the State of Minnesota. While there, he worked to improve the lives of farmers throughout our home State. That earned him the respect and admiration of his community in southern Minnesota. Even through his successful election to the House of Representatives, Brad, his wife, Jaclyn, and their seven children, continued to operate the family farm in New Ulm. He and his wife met on a school bus in the second grade, and as a husband and father of seven, Brad and Jackie have raised their children on the values of faith, family, and hard work. On behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation, please join us in welcoming Representative Brad Finstad, his wife, Jaclyn, and their seven wonderful children to the United States Congress. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad), our new Representative.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, soon to be chair, for yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act. After years of lockdowns and social isolation, the mental health of our Nation's citizens, and especially our youth, is at an all-time low. But H.R. 7666 begins to return us to a better path, so I thank the chairman and ranking member for all their hard work to make this a reality. I am especially pleased that portions of two bills that I had the pleasure of working on with my colleague from Maryland were included in this legislation. One such provision would amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy to allow incarcerated juveniles who have been detained pending trial to continue to receive Medicaid coverage. Pretrial detainees are, by definition, presumed innocent. As a matter of due process, we should not be denying critical health benefits to anyone who has not been convicted of a crime. From a practical standpoint, reforms to the Medicaid Inmates Exclusion Policy will help our local law enforcement better manage the shockingly high percentage of inmates who suffer from mental illness. H.R. 7666 also includes language to create a behavioral health coordinating office, another issue that I have had the pleasure of working on. Many Federal programs to address the mental health crisis currently lack clear, unified direction and coordination, which is a recipe for redundancy and waste. The reforms in today's bill will bring all the major agencies into the room, including the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Director of National Drug Control Policy to develop a unified approach to addressing topics ranging from substance abuse care to delivery of better telehealth. There is always more work to be done to improve the mental health of our Nation, but H.R. 7666 is an important step, and one we need now more than ever. Madam Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Gibbs for his 18 years of service to Comcast, over 40 years in the cable industry, and decades of dedication to his community and the state of Minnesota. Mr. Gibbs announced his retirement from Comcast, and although he will be greatly missed, his hard work and contributions have made a positive impact on the industry and community, ensuring he will not be forgotten. Mr. Gibbs joined Comcast in March 2003 with more than 20 years of legal and telecommunications experience. During his tenure, he built and led an industry-leading state government affairs team that has achieved a strong record of successes across the country. Prior to 2003, he was a partner at the Minneapolis law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP, and practiced in the areas of communications and regulatory law. While at the firm, he provided counsel to the franchise transfer activities associated with Comcast's acquisition of AT&T Broadband and other major industry transactions, including the mergers of AT&T and MediaOne, AT&T and TCI, and AOL and Time Warner. Before joining the Robins firm, Mr. Gibbs served as Vice President of Corporate & Legal Affairs for Continental Cablevision in Los Angeles from 1986 to 1995. Long involved in community affairs, Mr. Gibbs was elected to the Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners in November 2010. This park system is in the west suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and manages almost 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails, and special-use facilities. Prior to this, Mr. Gibbs served for 10 years on the Hennepin County Library Board where he served as president for three of those years. He is the former chair of the Hennepin County Policy Advisory Committee, a former member of the. Bloomington, Minnesota Charter Commission, former member and chair of the Bloomington Cable Commission, and has served on a variety of non- profit boards. Currently, in addition to representing District 5 on the Three Rivers Park Board, Mr. Gibbs serves on the boards of Artistry Theater and Visual Arts in Bloomington and the Minnesota River Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. I congratulate Mr. Gibbs on his successful 18-year career with Comcast and over 40 years of leadership in an industry that has invested heavily in America and through broadband improved the lives of the citizens of this country. I commend Mr. Gibbs on his decades of service to the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, and the City of Bloomington. I know the whole House joins me in wishing him the best in retirement and as he continues to serve his community as a valued and experienced leader.