Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on July 1st, I was unable to be present in the House Chamber to cast my vote on amendments and passage of H.R. 2. If present, I would have voted YEA on the Graves en bloc amendment no. 6 (RC No. 134), NAY on the Foxx Amendment (RC No. 135), NAY on the Tlaib Amendment (RC No. 136), YEA on the Motion to Recommit (RC No. 137), and NAY on H.R. 2 (RC No. 138). personal explanation

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on June 30th, I was unable to be present in the House Chamber to cast my vote on pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted NAY on the Previous Question (RC No. 130), NAY on H. Res. 1028 (RC No. 131), NAY on the DeFazio amendments En Bloc No. 1 (RC No. 132), and NAY on Pallone En Bloc No. 3 (RC No. 133). personal explanation

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, on June 29, I was unable to be present in the House Chamber to cast my vote on several pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted YEA on the Motion to Recommit (RC No. 123), NAY on H.R. 1425 (RC No. 124), YEA on the Motion to Recommit (RC No. 125), NAY on H.R. 5332 (RC No. 126), YEA on the Motion to Recommit (RC No. 127), NAY on H.R. 7301 (RC No. 128), and NAY on H.J. Res. 90 (RC No. 129).

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, on June 26th, I was unable to be present in the House Chamber to cast my vote on two pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted ``nay'' on passage of H.J. Res. 76 (RC 120), ``yea'' on the Motion to Recommit (RC 121), and ``nay'' on passage of H.R. 51 (RC 122). Personal Explanation

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on June 25th, I was unable to be present in the House Chamber to cast my vote on several pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted NAY on the Previous Question (RC 116), NAY on H. Res. 1017 (RC 117), YEA on the Motion to Recommit (RC 118), and NAY on H.R. 7120 (RC 119). Personal Explanation

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Nancy Rossman of the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center (CMMHC). For over sixteen years, Nancy has served as the Program Director for the center's Detox Program and designated Registered Nurse for their Crisis Program. Nancy joined CMMHC in 1972 after completing her nursing degree at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. Since then, Nancy has dedicated what can only be described as a lifetime of service to CMMHC and the Detox Program, acting as a community-based case manager to patients in need. Nancy's career spans the Detox Program's whole lifetime, and indeed, Nancy is the program's ``unofficial historian.'' Her work has not only impacted countless patients, but also given them the greatest possible gift--a second chance at life. I congratulate Nancy on her retirement. I have no doubt her commitment to CMMHC will be touching patients for years to come. I thank her and hope she enjoys her well-earned retirement.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise together with my colleague from Minnesota Representative Craig to congratulate Richard ``Rick'' Kleven on his retirement at the end of June after more than 39 years with Thrivent. Throughout his nearly four decades of service with Thrivent, Rick has become a pillar of the Twin Cities community, leading Thrivent's government affairs efforts to educate federal and state policymakers about the important role that fraternal benefit societies play in society, helping people achieve financial security and live generous lives through important charitable and volunteer efforts that include disaster relief, partnering with organizations that address housing insecurity, and tens of thousands of individual service projects. These efforts have had a great impact not just in my district, but for the entire region and nation. Rick's dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm for Thrivent's unique mission--connecting insurance protection with community service--has been inspiring to watch and work with him on; for me, both during my time serving in the U.S. Congress and the Minnesota state House of Representatives. A lifelong Minnesotan and proud ``Iron-Ranger'' who grew up in Grand Rapids, MN, Rick is a true Minnesota sports team fan, particularly a diehard for our Vikings. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.A. from the University of Minnesota-- Duluth. Rick has led Thrivent's Government Affairs activities for more than 17 years, and served previously in a number of roles as legal counsel and manager of corporate legal functions within the organization through his long arc of service which began in 1981 when Thrivent was Lutheran Brotherhood. Rick has been a great advocate on policy matters on Thrivent's behalf, but also walks the walk of Thrivent's mission of service-- something he learned from both of his parents, including his Dad who was awarded Itasca County's Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2018. Rick has volunteered as a Big Brother, served as a board member for multiple nonprofit organizations, and epitomizes the ubiquitous Thrivent T-shirt that says ``Live Generously.'' Recently, he served as Chairman of the Board of Gilda's Club Twin Cities, and played a crucial role in helping to raise money to build the organization's clubhouse that provides support for people with cancer as well as their families and friends. Rick also served for 8 years on the board of Person to Person, a charitable organization that operates Meals on Wheels and various other programs to help the needy in the Twin Cities area. He also was part of the original start-up board of FINNEGANS, the first beer company in the world to donate 100 percent of profits back to local food shelves. Rick currently sits on the board of the American Fraternal Alliance, the nationwide coalition of not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies. I, along with many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Representative Craig who represents Rick's hometown of Eagan, will miss seeing him here in Washington. I'm sure his friendly face and open heart will remain a pivotal part of the Twin Cities community for a long time to come. We wish him all the best and hope in retirement he can continue to indulge in his favorite hobbies: making the world better for his wife, two Aussies, and fellow Minnesotans as well as finding even more ways to support Rock n' Roll! Congratulations, Rick-- Here Comes the Sun.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber of Commerce President. Kellie joined the Waconia Chamber of Commerce in February of 2008 and will be departing in June of 2020, after twelve years of dedicated service. Since her arrival to Waconia, Kellie has been an advocate for promoting business, allowing Waconia's economy to continue to flourish. She has exemplified the founding principles of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, to create economic development, promote tourism, provide member services to the people of Waconia and stay active in every level of politics. Kellie has organized and run some of Waconia's most loved events, including Nickle Dickle Days, Fourth of July Fireworks and the Governor's fishing opener on Lake Waconia. Waconia's close-knit community would be incomplete without the multitude of phenomenal events that are made possible by Kellie and the Waconia Chamber of Commerce. I congratulate Kellie and her husband, Bill, on her retirement. Although I am saddened by her departure from Waconia, I wish her the best of luck with her move to Washington state.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Patricia Rader, as she retires from serving as a Claims Specialist at the Social Security Administration in Minneapolis. A Blaine native, Patricia has served the Social Security Administration and the many Minnesotans that benefit from their services for forty years. Over the course of her four decades of work, she has touched the lives of Minnesotans every day, and helped secure the livelihoods of countless men and women in our community. I congratulate Patricia on her retirement. I wish her nothing but the best of luck in her next chapter.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Commander Bill Sites of Waconia, Minnesota on his retirement after 37 dedicated years of service. Bill served in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps for 23 years, and accepted a civil position with the National Weather Service that brought him and his family to Minnesota. Bill graduated from NOAA Basic Officer Training Class in December 1982. From 1983 to 2005, Bill was stationed across the country with assignments ranging from Norfolk, Virginia to Seattle, Washington. Bill served NOAA's primary functions of monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions and supporting major waterways. One of Bill's most impactful assignments was as Deputy Director for the National Weather Service (NWS) at the Remote Sensing Center in Chanhassen, Minnesota in 1999. When retiring from the NOAA Corps in 2005, Bill and his wife Kellie thought of no better place to raise their daughters and headed back to Minnesota where Bill accepted a job with the National Weather Service. Bill transitioned into life as a civilian in Waconia, Minnesota where he enjoyed the snow, hockey, and other activities that Minnesota has to offer. In April, Bill retired as a hydrologic forecaster at the North Central Forecast Center and will be moving to the Pacific Northwest to enjoy retirement with his wife Kellie. I thank Bill for 37 years of service to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Congratulations on his retirement. I wish him and Kellie a long and joyful retirement in his home state of Washington.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, as we adopt the third installment of COVID relief in one month, millions of Americans are counting on Congress to chart a course forward and lead the nation out of this crisis. Today's vote delivers significant resources to the American people, our economy, and our nation's health care delivery system. The hundreds of billions of dollars included for our health providers, paired with a massive injection of economic assistance for our small businesses will give medical professionals and financial institutions the tools they need to help our nation weather this storm. Unfortunately, this bill also spends millions of taxpayer dollars on programs unrelated to combating the coronavirus. Efforts to fund pet projects and attempts to further a political agenda at a time like this are completely unacceptable, and I, like so many of my constituents, am disgusted and appalled with the partisan maneuvering that delayed passage of this legislation. The important relief included in this bill is now not only several days overdue, but it saddles future generations with an even larger federal debt burden they will be forced to grapple with, in the years to come, all because of ``politics as usual'' in Washington. I supported today's relief package because I believe in the resolve of the American people and the resiliency of the American economy. I will continue to support the countless men and women working around the clock to provide lifesaving medical care, and I look forward to working with our community lenders and small businesses as they remind the world of just how dynamic they can be. By working together, we will overcome this crisis and reemerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work of the Alzheimer's Association. This month, over 1,000 men and women will come together in Washington for the annual Alzheimer's Impact Movement Advocacy Forum. These advocates, like so many of us, have faced the pain of Alzheimer's, either through a friend, a loved one, or their own experience. By sharing their stories, we can raise awareness and, hopefully, implement policies that improve the lives of those suffering from this disease. One of these policies, Mr. Speaker, is the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act. I encourage my colleagues to join me as a cosponsor of the bill, which will provide Medicare outreach and reporting on Alzheimer's care. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Alzheimer's Association and the many advocates who will be in Washington this month for sharing their stories, especially Kanada Yazbek, a constituent of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Not only does she have family members who have been diagnosed with the disease, Kanada has Alzheimer's. Everywhere and anywhere people will listen, Kanada spreads the word about Alzheimer's and its impact on families and the urgent need to find a cure. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in standing up to stop this devastating disease. Teaching Financial Literacy for Life

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the McKinley Area Learning Center in Waite Park, Minnesota, for their participation in the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association's annual Capitol Hill Challenge. This challenge, which matches teachers and students with Members of Congress, gives teams of three to five middle or high school students a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio of stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and liquid assets. The 10 teams with the best performing portfolios win a trip to Washington. The challenge highlights essential financial literacy, like investing. The students also work together to manage this portfolio and, in the process, learn the value of teamwork. Good luck to the McKinley Area Learning Center students participating in the Capitol Hill Challenge. We look forward to hearing more about your progress, and good luck in the competition. Recognizing Next Generation of Astronomers

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The Minnesota program distributes funds to sponsor student fellowships and scholarships related to space research, education, and public service. These grants can accelerate the diversity of the STEM field for future generations by supporting women and other students from underrepresented groups. Mr. Speaker, I want to particularly highlight the work of St. Cloud State University, which is working with the Leech Lake Tribal College to develop Native American knowledge of astronomy and model rocketry in the community and workshops for teachers across our State. Mr. Speaker, I thank the universities and colleges across Minnesota that are contributing to the program, and I thank all the students whose work today will advance our future in space. Congratulating Mary Degiovanni, Champion for Sartell

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Degiovanni, who announced in January that she is retiring in July after 16 years of working for the city of Sartell. After serving as city administrator in Annandale, Mary joined the city of Sartell as finance director in 2004. Since 2013, she has served as a strong and capable city administrator. In her tenure, Mary has overseen rapid growth in Sartell, with projects from updating facilities at Watab Park and Lake Francis Park, to building a new community center and public safety facility. As a community leader, Mary has helped build a Sartell that is ready to welcome new generations of citizens. Rapid expansions in the area, including into industries like medical technology, presented challenges that Mary overcame. Congratulations on your retirement, Mary. We are grateful for your service. Congratulating the Champion Andover Girls Hockey Team

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Andover High School Huskies women's hockey team, who won the class AA State championship just a couple of weeks ago. The Huskies' win is the first Minnesota State high school league championship in the history of Andover. In the championship game at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Andover upset the highly favored Edina High School Hornets by a score of 5-3. The Huskies' championship is all the more sweet considering the favored Hornets had won three straight State championships. Congratulations to Coach Melissa Volk and the Huskies on making history for Andover.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on February 10th and 11th, I was unable to cast my vote on pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted YEA on H.R. 2932 (Roll Call No. 55), YEA on H.R. 3413 (Roll Call No. 56), NAY on the Previous Question (Roll Call No. 57), NAY on H. Res. 844 (Roll Call No. 58), and YEA on H.R. 1980 (Roll Call No. 59).

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Liberty Clark in Elk River, Minnesota, for receiving an award from Enterprise Minnesota for attaining their ISO 9001:2015 certification. Liberty Clark specializes in precision pad printing for medical device and industrial manufacturers, and this certification verifies to their clients that they are a reliable producer of high-quality products. The medical device industry in Minnesota employs over 30,000 Minnesotans, driving our State's economy by producing devices that save lives. Recently, I was able to tour Liberty Clark and see firsthand how remarkable this company is and how it is contributing to the marketplace. Liberty Clark's ISO certification, paired with the end-of-the-year repeal of the medical device tax, are two important indicators that our best days of medical innovation are ahead for our manufacturers, as well as the millions of Americas who rely on lifesaving medical devices. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate everyone at Liberty Clark on achieving this certification, and I thank them for being one of the best manufacturers in Minnesota. Honoring Reverend Gordon Grimm

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Reverend Gordon ``Gordy'' Grimm, who passed away last month at the age of 86. Reverend Grimm was an ordained Lutheran minister and a leader in the field of addiction recovery in Minnesota. Through his work with the Hazelden Foundation, he pioneered the Minnesota model of treatment, which revolutionized addiction treatment and brought dignity to recovering alcoholics and addicts. Reverend Grimm's work was recognized on the national stage. President Ronald Reagan selected him as a part of the White House Conference for a Drug Free America. He also served as a goodwill ambassador in Minnesota and alongside First Ladies Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter at the United States Capitol. Reverend Grimm was known not only for his work but for his kindness. A colleague described him as a man with ``no sharp elbows, only open arms.'' His life's work touched so many in need. We offer our condolences to his wife, Esther; his three children, John, Mary, and Jim; and the many who knew and were impacted by Reverend Gordon. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Gordon's legacy lives on through his family and all the people he helped. I thank him for a life well-lived. Recognizing Braxton Battaglia, a True Minnesota Hero

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Braxton Battaglia of Blaine, Minnesota. Braxton is a 10-year-old gymnast who is currently fighting B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Despite the overwhelming nature of a diagnosis like this, Braxton has shown a drive to overcome by focusing on others and starting the TeamBrax1 Fund, an effort designed to help other kids and families at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Not surprisingly, Braxton has been recognized for her strength and heart for service. The University of Minnesota's gymnastics program presented her with the Abby Szott Courage Award, which recognizes an individual's incorporation of gymnastics to overcome major life obstacles. She also recently received her very own spot in the University of Minnesota Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Braxton is an inspiration to everyone. While she is currently in remission, her will to fight will remain as strong as ever. Her chemotherapy continues until 2021. We will all continue to pray for Braxton and her family. Mr. Speaker, Braxton inspires us all to help others, even in the midst of our own challenges. I thank Braxton, and may God continue to bless her and her family in the months and years ahead. Congratulating Scandia Internet Focus Group

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Scandia Internet Focus Group for receiving the Good Neighbor Award for their efforts to secure additional funding for broadband expansion in Scandia, Minnesota. Because of the focus group's efforts, more than half a million dollars will go toward building out internet service for more than 200 homes through the State's Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. Building out broadband to the last mile will give unserved and underserved communities access to the digital world, allowing access to vital educational resources, telehealth services, and an increasing amount of commerce done online. Thanks to the Scandia Internet Focus Group, this service will meet and exceed the State's goals for 2022 and 2026. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Steve Kronmiller, Patti Ray, Beth Mohr, Eric Mohr, Aron Larson, Christopher Johnson, Chris Frymire, Jesse Pereboom, Travis Waite, Kristen Novaak, John Carney, and Andy Brogan.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Liberian community in Minnesota and throughout the United States, as they celebrate passage of the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act. This act provides a lifeline to certainty for Liberians around the country, bringing relief and clarity to so many families and communities throughout my district and home State. Adoption of this important legislation is credited to the hard work of the many advocates who lived in a constant state of limbo and under the threat of the unknown for many years. Thank you to all our community members who banded together to advocate for our Liberian American friends and neighbors. I am pleased that Congress, the administration, and President Trump have finally provided our Liberian Americans, our neighbors, and our friends, the clarity and protection they deserve.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christine Kustelski, the Southside unit director of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota, for her recent induction into the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor, one that only 86 individuals have received over the last 21 years, is given to members of our community who go above and beyond just working with our Nation's youth. Since 1997, Christine has worked in youth development at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota, serving nearly 1,200 K-12 youth. Christine assists a range of students, working with children living in foster care or with incarcerated parents or those who have experienced abuse, neglect, and severe poverty. I thank Christine for meeting the needs of the youth in our community and for her service to others in need. I congratulate her on earning her place in the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame. Recognizing the Anoka County Human Services Staff

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Human Services staff in Anoka County, Minnesota, for receiving the Local Government Innovation Award. These Innovation Awards highlight counties, cities, townships, and schools that have found ways to make a bigger impact in their communities. Anoka County developed a new apprenticeship program called the Empowers Program. This volunteer initiative provides employment and training opportunities to the workforce of tomorrow. In a nation struggling with workforce shortages and a growing skills gap, this program helps young people identify what they want to do with their career. The program assists the participants with job searches, individual career planning, paid training, and achieving technical and occupational certificates. The program can even assist with basic needs like a bus pass, clothing for work, or books for school. Anoka County deserves to be recognized for its efforts to prepare our young people to join the workforce. With 7 million open jobs in this country, our young people need to be equipped to join our growing economy. I congratulate Anoka County. Recognizing Elk River Area School District's Excellence in Technological Education

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Elk River Area School District. As we closed out 2019, Elk River received an award for the district's efforts to lead in educational approaches involving technology. Sourcewell Technology's annual Impact Education Conference named technology specialists and leaders from the Elk River Area School District as the 2019 Technology Team of the Year. Elk River earned this prestigious award because of the work the district's technology team undertook to expand the services they provide to their students. Elk River now provides on-demand courses for teachers as well as online resources and training for students and families. In total, the Elk River Area School District has implemented e-learning options that are now available for nearly 14,000 students. We are fortunate for such incredible educators dedicated to innovating for their learners. I congratulate all the educators and administrators at Elk River Area School District for winning this well- deserved award. Recognizing Rivers of Hope, Neighborhood Heroes Helping Victims of Domestic Violence