Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an American institution in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, Federal Ammunition, on their centennial anniversary. On this day in 1922, Charles Horn purchased the Federal Cartridge and Machine Company in Anoka, Minnesota. Since then, they have been manufacturing ammunition which has helped American troops fight for freedom in every major global conflict since World War II, and law enforcement officers protect our communities. Just recently this year, Federal sent one million rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian people to support their fight for freedom. Currently, Federal employs more than 1,500 people in Anoka. Since the company's founding however, Federal has employed thousands of Minnesotans and Americans across the country, producing billions of rounds of ammunition. I want to congratulate the entire Federal Ammunition team, past and present, on their 100-year anniversary and thank them for their commitment to Minnesotan and American ideals.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on H.R. 5657 (Roll Call 108) and H.R. 1916 (Roll Call 109) on April 4, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on both measures.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young hockey player in my district who embodies the spirit of our great sport. For Minnesotans, hockey is a way of life. Like many young people in our State, Owen Lipinski grew up with a love for the game. Sadly, when Owen was just 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that makes it difficult for him to play. One rough hit could cause Owen to lose his eyesight or possibly even threaten his life. However, this didn't stop him from playing. Owen participated in Minnesota Special Hockey and enjoyed it, but he still wanted more. Recently, Owen organized a tournament with six teams composed of friends from his neighborhood. He organized the entire event on a pond in his back yard, complete with a public address system and a small concession stand. As a fellow Minnesotan who loves the game, Owen is an inspiration. I am inspired by Owen and his great work. Congratulations on the tournament, Owen, and I hope you continue to inspire us for years to come.

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievement of the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Joel Brott, his deputies, and the Sherburne County Jail and clinic staff have earned the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation from the National Sheriffs' Association. As one of only 50 sheriffs' offices in the country to earn the Triple Crown accreditation, this is a major achievement. In fact, this accreditation is so rare that, according to the National Sheriffs' Association, fewer than 100 sheriffs' offices have qualified since its establishment in 1993. The Triple Crown requires simultaneous accreditation by four law enforcement organizations. Achieving one of them is a feat, but gaining all four at once is truly remarkable. Congratulations, Sheriff Brott. We applaud you and your entire staff for your exceptional work and commitment to excellence in law enforcement. Owen Lipinski Hockey Tournament

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a crisis eroding the budgets of hard-working Americans. Earlier this month, the price of unleaded gasoline rose to the highest level on record, and President Biden's anti-energy policies are directly responsible. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised to end fossil fuels. Since assuming office, President Biden has worked to make good on that promise, imposing 81 individual anti-energy policies. Coincidentally, the price of gasoline has risen 81 percent since the beginning of his presidency. Analysts estimate that President Biden's anti-energy agenda will cost American families an additional $2,000 per year in gasoline costs alone. This is staggering for the 64 percent of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck, thanks to rising costs. President Biden claims he can't do much right now to reduce gas prices. This simply is not true. President Biden can end the Federal freeze on new oil and gas projects, fast track LNG export permits, expedite approval of all pipeline and energy development, and stop the regulatory barrage on U.S. energy development. There is so much that can and should be done right now, and this crusade against American energy dominance must end. Recognizing the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of one of my constituents, Ms. Rebecca Booker. Rebecca has served the Blaine community as a certified fire and life safety educator for the last 20 years. Recently, Rebecca was honored with the 2022 Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education by the Congressional Fire Services Institute and the International Fire Service Training Association. Among her many contributions to fire safety education, Rebecca helped develop the nationally recognized Home Safety Survey, a voluntary home inspection program that looks for potential fire, injury, and crime hazards while offering solutions. Rebecca has completed nearly 4,000 of these surveys herself and trained many colleagues across the country to perform these surveys in their communities. Ms. Booker also helped establish New America Academy in Minnesota, an organization that provides fire safety education for culturally diverse and immigrant communities. Rebecca, congratulations on earning this prestigious award and thank you for all you do to increase fire safety education in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Recognizing Abby Honold

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abby Honold, one of the strongest Minnesotans I have ever met and a leader in the fight against sexual assault. Sexual assault is a life-shattering event, the trauma of which lasts a lifetime but can be compounded in the immediate aftermath by improper care. When Abby, then a student at the University of Minnesota, reported her assault to police in 2014, she worked with a healthcare professional proficient in trauma-informed care to recall important details about her assault to law enforcement and bring the perpetrator to justice. Survivors like Abby deserve justice, and I was pleased to see that the Abby Honold Act got signed into law earlier this month.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on S. 2126 (Roll Call No. 97) on March 30, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Carl Pierson, a husband, father, teacher, coach, City Council member, and resident of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Carl has served the City of Waconia for more than twenty years, enriching the lives of countless students and community members around him. He leads by example, and we are fortunate to have someone like Carl in the Sixth District who puts others first and demonstrates what ``Selfless Service'' truly means. Carl is a staple in the Waconia Community, teaching high school government for the last two decades. In addition to educating future generations of Minnesotans in the classroom, he is cultivating the next generation of student-athletes as coach of the Waconia High School basketball, baseball, and football teams. If that weren't enough, Carl is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association and author of the book ``The Politics of Coaching,'' a must-read for coaches looking to navigate the politics of youth sports. As someone who coached youth hockey for many years, I've learned some valuable lessons in negotiation and diplomacy while working with the parents of my players, but Carl literally wrote the book on it. In November 2020, Carl was elected to the Waconia City Council, representing Ward 2. This was not his first stint in public service, as Carl had previously served on the Waconia Park Board and the Carver County Sheriffs Citizen Advisory Council. Where Carl finds time to accomplish all these things and continue to be a loving husband to his wife and father to his two sons remains a mystery, however, Carl remains a leader and mentor for the residents and students in Waconia. Earlier this year, Carl was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. While this news is never easy to receive, I have no doubt that he will approach this new challenge with the same optimism and determination be has shown time and time again on the basketball court and win this fight. I cannot thank Carl enough for his leadership and dedication to the residents of Waconia. Our community, our district, and our state are in a better place because of his work and perseverance. I thank Carl, and may God Bless him and his wonderful family.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mike Schultz of St. Cloud, Minnesota, for his participation in the 2022 Winter Paralympics. Mike competed for Team USA in the Men's Snowboard Cross and Banked Slalom races. Mike has not only inspired other athletes with his diligent training and perseverance, but he started his own company to design high- performance lower limb prosthetics for other amputees to participate in competitive sports and activities. His dedication has paid off. Congratulations to Mike for bringing home a silver medal for Men's Snowboard Cross and coming in fifth for Men's Banked Slalom. I am proud to count such an amazing athlete and innovator among my constituents in the Sixth District.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on March 8, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on H.R. 5681 and ``yes'' on H. Con. Res. 70.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maddie Rooney of Andover, Minnesota, for her participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Maddie joined Team USA and played as goalkeeper on the women's ice hockey team. Maddie comes to the Olympic team from the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs women's ice hockey program. In 2018, she was awarded the Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year Award from USA Hockey. Her training and hard work paid off: She helped bring home a silver medal for the United States. I congratulate Maddie on this great result at the 2022 Winter Games.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nick Perbix of Elk River, Minnesota, for his participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Nick represented the United States as a defenseman on our men's ice hockey team. He carries on a legacy of talented Minnesotans who share this sport with the world. I am proud to count such an amazing athlete among my constituents in the Sixth District. I congratulate Nick and thank him for representing our great state and country at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ben Meyers, from my hometown of Delano, Minnesota. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Ben played on the United States men's ice hockey team as a forward. Ben comes to Team USA from the University of Minnesota, where he is a junior. He serves as the team captain for the Gophers. I congratulate Ben on making it to the Olympics. We're lucky to have such a talented young athlete in our backyard.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I too, rise today to honor our dear friend, Congressman Jim Hagedorn. It is amazing that in this day and age with all of our differences, proud Minnesotans, regardless of our political perspective, can stand together in memory of one of our great colleagues, and we thank everybody in this Chamber for doing the same. It is fitting that we hold this tribute on the House floor. I never saw Jim more proud than when he was here in this Chamber representing the State of Minnesota and the communities that he loved so much. Jim showed us the best of Minnesota. Born in Blue Earth, as Betty told you, Jim was born in 1962, and he grew up on his family's farm near Truman, Minnesota. The son of former Minnesota Congressman Tom Hagedorn, Jim was raised with a lifelong commitment to serve. After graduating from George Mason University, Jim followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a life of public service. Jim began his career as a staffer to Minnesota Representative Arlan Stangeland and then he went on to work for the U.S. Treasury and Bureau of Engraving and Printing before finally being elected to the House of Representatives in 2018. During his time in the House, Jim served the First District of Minnesota every day with an unwavering passion and a positive attitude that brightened the Halls of Congress and brought the best of Blue Earth to Washington. We will all miss Jim dearly, and we pray for his family during this difficult time.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again address the crisis hurting every household in America: runaway inflation. The January 12 Consumer Price Index report showed inflation has increased 7 percent over the last 12 months, the fastest increase since 1982. Rural communities are being hit harder than anyone else. In my district, inflation has increased 8 percent over the past year. Americans are paying more for essentials everywhere, from the grocery store to the gas station, and working families are being hit the hardest. Like many of my colleagues, I believe the primary driver of this inflation is unchecked government spending. Unfortunately, even though inflation has reached historic highs, this issue continues to be ignored by many of my Democrat colleagues. Whether you agree with me or not, we owe it to the American people to identify the root cause and begin to address the problem. I have introduced legislation to do just that, and I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting efforts that put an end to this ongoing problem that harms every single American, especially those living paycheck to paycheck and trying to raise a family. Recognizing Deputy Chief Dan Szykulski

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deputy Chief Dan Szykulski. In January, Dan retired as deputy chief of the Blaine Police Department. Dan served with the Blaine Police Department for 38 years. During that time, he saw many changes in the city and his department. Deputy Chief Szykulski had the respect and admiration of his fellow officers. Often described as a hard worker and team player, Dan was always there to lend a hand on emergency calls or bring in home-cooked meals for officers working on holidays. Dan earned numerous awards during his career, including the Chief's Compassion Award and a Certificate of Recognition from the city of Blaine. I should note, however, that possibly my favorite thing about Dan was his reputation as the best hockey player in the station. He will certainly be missed at the annual Guns and Hoses hockey game. Maybe he will be able to return with an alumni exception. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dan thank for his service, and I congratulate him on his retirement. Recognizing Dr. Richard Lee

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Dr. Richard Lee. Dr. Lee is retiring as executive director of the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center. Dr. Lee has led the center for the past 6 years. In that time, Dr. Lee has been a champion for expanding mental health resources in central Minnesota. I have had the privilege to work with Dr. Lee and have been fortunate to visit the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center to see the great work they do. Under Dr. Lee's leadership, the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center cultivated and expanded strong community partnerships with local counties, law enforcement, and healthcare agencies. Dr. Lee also helped develop and expand the Co-Responder Program that partners mental health professionals with law enforcement officers to respond to behavioral health calls. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Lee for the incredible impact he has had on expanding access and availability of mental health care in central Minnesota and wish him an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement. Honoring the Life of Gregory ``Butch'' Bakeberg

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gregory ``Butch'' Bakeberg, a constituent, a friend, and a leader in Minnesota's agriculture community. Butch passed away last month at the age of 74, but his legacy and work for the Sixth District and the city of Waverly, Minnesota, will continue to have an impact. Butch was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but moved to Waverly where his family owned and operated Goldview Farm. Butch and his wife, Faye, were active in their community for decades, getting involved with the Wright County American Dairy Association and helping start the Wright County Breakfast on the Farm Committee. Butch and Faye were known to host countless agricultural-related events on their farm with the goal of educating fellow Minnesotans on dairy farming. They also host the occasional Sunday mass on the family farm as well. Last year, I had an opportunity to visit Butch on his family's farm, and I am glad I did. Butch and Faye truly represent the best of Minnesota, and while we mourn the loss of a leader in our community, Butch's contribution to our community will live on for years to come. Remembering Loral I. Delaney

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Loral I. Delaney. Loral I passed away on September 19, 2021, after battling breast cancer. Loral I was a shooting-sports legend. In 1957, at the age of 19, Loral I competed in her first event, the Minnesota State Trap Shoot, which she won with a near-perfect score. Loral I would go on to win seven Grand American World Trapshooting Championships, five of them consecutively. Loral I remains the only woman to win more than two championships in a row and more than four in total. Loral I not only loved to compete, but she had an incredible passion for animals, as well. She and her husband, Chuck, ran Armstrong Ranch Kennels in Ramsey, Minnesota, providing grooming and training for some of Minnesota's premier hunting dogs. Loral I also founded an event known as Game Fair, an annual event known and beloved by sportsmen and -women and hunting enthusiasts throughout Minnesota and beyond. Loral I leaves a tremendous legacy behind her; she will be missed dearly. To Chuck and her family, we offer our sincere condolences.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 452, the Willie O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act, and to recognize the incredible impact that Willie O'Ree has had on the great sport of hockey. Willie etched his name into the history books in 1958. When he became one of the select few--and it is a very few--who got called up from the minors to play in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, Willie broke down racial barriers for sure. He would go on to play more than 24 seasons as a professional hockey player, despite facing countless challenges on and off the ice. Willie O'Ree remains a trailblazer for many, but his contributions certainly did not end after his retirement from his playing career in 1979. As we have heard, in 1996, he became the NHL's diversity ambassador. In this capacity, he established the Hockey is for Everyone initiative to create a culture of inclusivity and provide an opportunity for disadvantaged children across this country and North America to play the game. His work continues even to this day to reinvigorate and grow the great sport of hockey while setting an example for underrepresented communities here at home and on an international level. As the NHL and teams across the country finally recognized Willie O'Ree's incredible contributions to hockey, today is Congress' opportunity to honor a true legend of the game that is loved and enjoyed by millions. Remember, we know that hockey was given to us directly from God because it is played on ice, which can only exist in Heaven. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-lead this long overdue effort, and I urge all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor this icon of our God-given sport by voting ``yes'' on S. 452.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dan Glessing, the newest president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. Dan has served as vice president and as a member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau board for more than 8 years. He recently was elected to serve as the 14th president of the bureau on November 19 following the announcement of Kevin Paap's retirement in March after serving 16 years in his position as president. Our office and I personally have been fortunate to know and work with Dan for many years already. Dan and his family are the definition of the great American farming tradition. He has always been a steadfast advocate for our State's farmers and producers. I am proud that Dan, his wife, Seena, and the entire Glessing family call Minnesota's Sixth District home. There are many challenges ahead for Dan, but I know he will continue to be a leader for all of Minnesota's farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusinesses. I congratulate Dan on his new leadership role, and I look forward to working with him and everyone at the Minnesota Farm Bureau on behalf of Minnesota's agriculture community.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Cloud area school district superintendent Willie Jett. Willie will be retiring from his role as superintendent at the end of this school year, ending 8 years in service to the district. During his tenure, Willie has been an advocate for students, a leader for faculty, and an ally to parents. When the district experienced challenges, Willie focused on a student-centric approach to education. Willie's leadership prioritized the performance of each student and provided the support they needed to thrive. Willie led the St. Cloud school district through times of crisis and change. He helped schools rebuild after fires and successfully navigated the COVID-19 crisis. Willie oversaw the construction of the new St. Cloud Tech High School and an early childhood education center. Willie even participated in one of our Congressional telephone townhalls to answer questions about remote learning for families across the St. Cloud community. Willie remains a friend and leader in our community. Willie's presence in the St. Cloud school district will be missed. Madam Speaker, I thank Willie for all of his work, and I wish him good luck in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on November 2, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all the day's legislation: rollcall No. 342 (H.R. 1975), rollcall No. 343 (H.R. 5221), rollcall No. 344 (H.R. 3616), rollcall No. 345 (S. 108), rollcall No. 346 (H.R. 4881), rollcall No. 347 (H.R. 2088), rollcall No. 348 (H.R. 3469), rollcall No. 349 (H.R. 4256), rollcall No. 350 (H.R. 3462), rollcall No. 351 (H.R. 4481), rollcall No. 352 (H.R. 4531), and rollcall No. 353 (H.R. 4515). Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Axne (Spanberger) Barragan (Gallego) Bowman (Tlaib) Brown (Mfume) Cardenas (Gomez) Cohen (Beyer) Crist (Castor (FL)) Davids (KS) (Cleaver) DeFazio (Blumenauer) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Doggett (Raskin) Fletcher (Escobar) Gaetz (Greene (GA)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Gottheimer (Panetta) Hagedorn (Carl) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Larsen (WA) (Connolly) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Meng (Jeffries) Morelle (Rice (NY)) Ocasio-Cortez (Garcia (IL)) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Rush (Underwood) Schiff (Thompson (CA)) Sires (Pallone) Smucker (Joyce (PA)) Speier (Scanlon) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (Jeffries) Swalwell (Gomez) Thompson (MS) (Butterfield) Thompson (PA) (Reschenthaler) Titus (Connolly) Trone (Beyer) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on November 1, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on H.R. 1619 and ``yes'' on H.R. 2758. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Axne (Spanberger) Barragan (Gallego) Beatty (Jeffries) Bilirakis (Fleischmann) Bowman (Tlaib) Boyle, Brendan F. (Jeffries) Brown (Mfume) Cardenas (Gomez) Carter (TX) (Calvert) Cohen (Beyer) Crist (Castor (FL)) Davis, Danny K. (Underwood) DeFazio (Davids (KS)) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Doggett (Raskin) Fletcher (Escobar) Gaetz (Greene (GA)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Granger (Cole) Hagedorn (Carl) Houlahan (Wild) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kelly (IL) (Blunt Rochester) Kind (Connolly) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Langevin (Lynch) Larsen (WA) (Connolly) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Mann (LaTurner) McEachin (Wexton) Meeks (Perlmutter) Meng (Jeffries) Morelle (Rice (NY)) Moulton (Kahele) Mullin (Cole) Norcross (Pallone) Nunes (Garcia (CA)) Ocasio-Cortez (Garca (IL)) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Rush (Underwood) Salazar (Gimenez) Schiff (Thompson (CA)) Sewell (Cicilline) Sires (Pallone) Speier (Scanlon) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (Jeffries) Thompson (MS) (Butterfield) Titus (Connolly) Torres (NY) (Auchincloss) Trone (Beyer) Wagner (Walorski) Wasserman Schultz (Soto) Welch (McGovern) Williams (GA) (McBath) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)