Tom Emmer

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rivers of Hope, a community-coordinated response to domestic violence. In the summer of 1989, a group of neighbors concerned about an increase in domestic violence banded together to create Rivers of Hope to provide victims with care and support from their community. Today, Rivers of Hope has expanded its scope of service, offering legal advocacy, education, support groups, referrals, and a 24/7 free and confidential crisis line for victims of domestic violence. The organization also operates a youth program and a criminal justice intervention program. In addition, Rivers of Hope has grown beyond the neighbors who founded the organization to now include corporate professionals, business leaders, public servants, public servants from Wright and Sherburne Counties, and other community leaders. I thank everyone who offers their time and effort to Rivers of Hope, making it the vital resource for victims in our communities. We are grateful for their dedication to making the Sixth Congressional District a better place to live and a safe place for everyone.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding athlete from Anoka, Minnesota. Reese Dehen, this year, became a repeat State champion in swimming. She won the State swimming title in the Class AA 200 individual medley, and then the sophomore from Anoka continued to add a second State championship in the 100 breaststroke during the swimming State championships at the University of Minnesota. Reese is an outstanding young talent and one of Minnesota's premier athletes. She is also a role model for thousands of young swimmers and student athletes who make the sacrifice to achieve the best they can be. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reese and thank her for being a great role model. Our entire community is proud of her. Honoring Christopher Stewart, an Outstanding Educator

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Christopher Stewart of North Lakes Academy charter school in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Mr. Stewart took learning to a new level this past year, participating in a program designed to preserve and amplify the history of fallen U.S. service personnel. For an entire year, Mr. Stewart researched the life and service of Richard Willard Moody, a fallen World War II hero of the United States Army's 129th Aero Squadron assigned to the French Escadrille Br. 129. Mr. Moody was from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he fought bravely on behalf of the United States before making the ultimate sacrifice in France. Sponsored by National History Day, in conjunction with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, Mr. Stewart brought history to life and revived and preserved the memory of Richard Willard Moody. In fact, he even traveled to France to give a graveside eulogy and, when he returned to the United States, used this experience to teach his students. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Stewart for remembering a fallen hero and preserving his legacy. His students are lucky to have him and so is Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Honoring Stan Nelson, a Minnesota Hero

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stan Nelson for his decades of service to the United States and to the city of Anoka, Minnesota. Stan is well known throughout his community as a man of faith, family, and football. Some know Stan as ``Coach.'' Others know him as ``Lieutenant Junior Grade.'' Others know Stan as a Minnesota Senior Olympic gold medalist. Today, we add ``Hero'' to the list of titles that accompany his name. Stan was a student and football player at Augsburg College who went on to enlist in the Navy following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Stan operated one of the first boats to land on Omaha Beach on D-day. Following his service in World War II, Stan went on to coach the Anoka High School football team for 26 years, becoming a legend in Anoka and a mentor for generations of players. In honor of his repeated sacrifices, Haven for Heroes, a local nonprofit that provides transitional housing for veterans, recently dedicated their auditorium in honor of Stan. Men like Stan deserve to be honored. He has lived a life as a servant leader. And at age 99, he hasn't slowed down. Mr. Speaker, we are honored that Stan's name will forever adorn the Haven for Heroes auditorium, and I thank him for his service to Anoka and to his country. Recognizing Starkey Hearing Technologies

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Starkey Hearing Technologies, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of hearing aids, for earning a place on Time magazine's list of Best 2019 Inventions. Starkey's invention of the Livio AI hearing aid not only provides users with improved hearing quality, but it also tracks an individual's body and brain health. This device, in addition, has several features that apply to our fast-paced world: It can stream music; it can act like a smart assistant; and it can even translate languages. Minnesota is proud of its many innovators and inventors. From Medtronic's pacemaker to Starkey's cutting-edge hearing devices, Minnesota remains one our country's premier medtech hubs. I congratulate Starkey for its amazing contribution to hearing health for patients across the country. Minnesotans are proud that they call our great State home. Addressing Workforce Shortages for American Farms

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the recent passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, H.R. 5038. I want to thank my colleague from the State of Washington, Mr. Dan Newhouse, and my colleagues from across the aisle for working in good faith in search of a solution to a longstanding issue in our agricultural community. Workforce shortages are crippling our most important industries. In the Sixth District of Minnesota, agriculture and manufacturing have suffered the most. Farmers need assurances they will be able to maintain their farm over the long term and that includes having a reliable workforce. Unfortunately, H.R. 5038 fell short of addressing key changes to our temporary worker visa programs. While we have more work to do, I appreciate my colleagues' efforts to find solutions to the challenges.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60,000 members of the Hmong community in Minnesota who recently celebrated their 41st new year celebration. My home State is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the Nation. They are great neighbors and coworkers, and they have been an integral part of the fabric of our State and culture since the first Hmong family arrived in 1975. Although I was not able to participate in this year's new year's ceremony, the celebration's theme of ``Embracing the Present, Inspiring Future Generations'' could not be more appropriate. Minnesota's Hmong families and leaders have worked hard to embrace everyone in their surrounding communities and inspire those interested in learning more about their rich heritage and history. I thank all the Hmong in our great State of Minnesota for their many years of friendship with our office and wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on December 6th, I was unable to cast my vote on two pieces of legislation. If present, I would have voted NAY on H. Res. 326 (RC No. 652), YEA on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 4 (RC No. 653), and NAY on passage of H.R. 4 (RC No. 654).

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, on December 5, Minnesotans learned of the disappearance of a Minnesota National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three National Guardsmen during a maintenance test flight. Unfortunately, this fateful flight, which originated from St. Cloud, Minnesota, saw the lives of Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers, Jr., Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord, and Sergeant Kort M. Plantenberg all tragically lost that day. Today my colleagues and I join together to honor the memories of these brave Minnesotans and to send our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones. Whether deployed overseas or training here at home, members of our Armed Forces routinely put their lives at risk to ensure the safety and security of our Nation. We pray these families are able to find some peace and comfort during this tragic time and that they know that their fellow Minnesotans and their Nation mourn with them. We are eternally grateful for their loved ones' sacrifice and service to our great State of Minnesota and to the Nation. Their memories and legacies will never be forgotten. In honor of James A. Rogers, Jr., Charles P. Nord, and Kort M. Plantenberg, I ask that all Members and guests in the gallery rise for a moment of silence to honor these heroes.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Anthony Polashek on his retirement from the U.S. Air Force after 32 years of service. Colonel Polashek graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an officer training school, before commissioning into the Air Force. During his long career, Colonel Polashek's deployments included Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. By the end of his distinguished career, he logged more than 5,800 flight hours as a command pilot, more than 500 of which were in combat. Since 2016, Colonel Polashek has served as commander of the 934th Airlift Wing, located at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, overseeing 12 squadrons with more than 1,400 airmen. Minnesota has been fortunate to have such an accomplished member of our Nation's Armed Forces lead the charge and train our airmen and - women of tomorrow. Again, we congratulate Colonel Polashek on his retirement, and we wish him the best as he moves to his next chapter. Recognizing Nancy Libersky's Lifetime of Service to the Small Business Community

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Small Business Administration's Minnesota district director, Nancy Libersky, on her retirement. District Director Libersky has served our great State of Minnesota for 28 years. She will be missed. Nancy's time at the SBA in Minnesota began in 1994 as the regional manager for SBA's Twin City's international trade programs. In this capacity, Nancy helped hundreds of Minnesota businesses compete in the global marketplace. At the same time, Nancy also served as an adjunct instructor at Saint Paul College and was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to sit on the Minnesota District Export Council. Mr. Speaker, we thank Nancy for almost three decades of service to Small Business Minnesota, and we wish her the best in her retirement. The Wall Family, Minnesota Family Business Award of 2019 Recipient

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wall family of Highland Bank in St. Michael, Minnesota, for receiving the 2019 Minnesota Family Business Award. The Walls have proudly owned and operated the bank for more than four decades, serving as a lifeline for their customers and their community. As a small financial institution, the financial crisis took its toll on Highland and families in and around St. Michael. Nevertheless, the Wall family persevered and led their bank and their community during a very difficult economic time. The resiliency and community-focused nature of banks like Highland are essential to helping Minnesotans and Americans pursue and achieve their American Dream. Family-owned institutions like the Highland Bank understand the needs of their neighbors and business owners and, in turn, empower families and local economies on Main Streets across our country. I congratulate the Highland Bank and the Wall family on their recognition and thank them for all they do for St. Michael and Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Recognizing the Centennial of the Minnesota Farm Bureau

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation a very happy 100th birthday. For 100 years, the Minnesota Farm Bureau has been an ally and advocate for growers, ranchers, and producers across the 87 counties in Minnesota. Even after a century of work, the Minnesota Farm Bureau remains the leading voice for farmers, their families, and the agriculture community at large. I want to give a special thanks to Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap and Vice President Dan Glessing, both of whom go above and beyond to advocate for their members. I would also like to recognize Amber Hanson Glaeser, the bureau's director of public policy, who always keeps our office apprised of the challenges facing our agricultural families and their community. It has been an honor to work with everyone at the Minnesota Farm Bureau throughout my time in Congress, and I am grateful for the opportunity to wish them all a happy 100th birthday. Honoring the Life of Stacy Manning and Her Legacy of Helping Families

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Stacy Manning from Zimmerman, Minnesota. Stacy tragically passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and support for Minnesota families working through the process of adoption. Stacy and her husband, Pat, had three children of their own when they decided to adopt three more. While working to meet the challenges that adoption can bring with a family of six, Stacy realized that other adoptive parents were experiencing many of the same challenges. Stacy wanted to help, so she established Hope Connections, a support network designed to connect with families for adoption coaching and education. Stacy's work touched the lives of thousands of families across this country. This week, Stacy's family is in Washington to honor her memory and receive the Angels in Adoption award that Stacy earned for the work that she believed in so deeply. Stacy may no longer be with us, but her spirit and Hope Connections' mission lives on through her son Andrew, who continues her legacy in assisting those experiencing the challenges that adoption can bring. Stacy's impact on so many Minnesotans will never be forgotten.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Zimmerman City Administrator Randy Piasecki who recently celebrated his 25th anniversary with the city. Wherever you are in Zimmerman, you can see Randy's work. Randy had a major hand in improvements and development of the city. From Zimmerman Middle High School to the latest apartment complex in downtown Zimmerman, Randy has facilitated its construction and completion. In his office, Randy proudly displays an article boasting Zimmerman as one of the 10 fastest growing cities in Minnesota, in major part thanks to him. The legacy of his work proves how much Randy loves Zimmerman. We hope he continues for many years to grow the city with the thoughtfulness and care he has shown for nearly three decades. Congratulations, Randy, and thank you for your 25 years of service to the people and city of Zimmerman. Hometown Hockey Player Succeeds in the NHL

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a graduate of Blaine High School in my district, St. Cloud Husky Jonny Brodzinski, for signing a contract with the NHL San Jose Sharks. Following Jonny's successful career at Blaine High School, he went on to play for St. Cloud State University, which is also in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. He skated there for three seasons with the great Huskies. His hometown watched and cheered him on as he advanced to the American Hockey League to play for the Ontario Reign and celebrated when he was signed by the Los Angeles Kings, officially making him an NHL hockey player. As he joins the San Jose Sharks, we will be there to show our support. Congratulations, Jonny. We are proud you call Minnesota's Sixth District and the State of Minnesota your home. We will continue to cheer you on as you play the game we all love. On Behalf of Minnesota's Agriculture Industry, Thank You Ashley Kohls

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Ashley Kohls from the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association for her commitment and service to our State's agriculture community and to congratulate her on her new role as Director of Government Affairs for the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association. During her time as the executive director of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association and a member of our Agriculture Advisory Committee, Ashley has worked closely with our office, educating members and our staff about agriculture and cattle farming, in particular. As a cattle farmer herself, Ashley and her husband, Craig, run a fourth- generation family farm with their children, Avery and Bennet. Ashley is a strong leader and an example to young women who are interested in the agricultural industry. As an example, she participated as a panelist at our annual Young Women Leadership Program where she shared with the high school-aged women what it is like to run a farm, be a mother, and run a large-scale advocacy association. It was an honor to have her participation. Ashley, Nebraska is going to be lucky to have you. We wish you and your family the best. The Honorable Mayor Tom Ryan: A True Public Servant

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mayor Tom Ryan, a great public servant for the city of Blaine in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Mayor Ryan's life is the definition of public service. Mayor Ryan grew up in St. Paul. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army in South Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and returned home to Minnesota where he settled in what is now the city of Blaine. For decades he has served the city as a councilman and now mayor. He also serves as co-leader of Blaine's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program which provides community support to our servicemembers and their families. Recently, Mayor Ryan received the Seven Seals Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. This award recognizes his commitment to help servicemembers find work upon their return home. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mayor Ryan, for the city of Blaine, and for our servicemembers, and congratulations him on his Seven Seals Award. Recognizing Presidential Excellence Award Winner Professor Eugenia Paulus

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Eugenia Paulus for her Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Professor Paulus teaches chemistry at North Hennepin Community College in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Professor Paulus has been mentoring students at North Hennepin Community College and participating as a science fair judge for local high schools through the North Hennepin mentoring program for approximately 15 years. During this time, Professor Paulus has mentored about 100 students with amazing results. Students participating in her mentoring program are 40 percent more likely to graduate than the Minnesota average. This Presidential Award is not the first time Professor Paulus has been recognized for her success with students. In fact, she was previously awarded for extraordinary undergraduate teaching from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. She has also received the annual Student Life Faculty Excellence Award which she received from North Hennepin Community College. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Professor Paulus on receiving the Presidential Award. She deserves it.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Michael's city administrator, Steve Bot, for receiving the 2019 James F. Miller Leadership Award from the League of Minnesota Cities. This award is the most prestigious award for nonelected public servants in the State of Minnesota. Our office has the honor of working with Steve through his role as chair of the I-94 West Corridor Coalition which works to expand and improve this vital transportation route in Minnesota's Sixth District. We recently joined Steve at St. Michael's new public works facility and saw firsthand the incredible work he is doing in St. Michael. It is evident that Steve's efforts to improve his community have been noticed by many, at home and around the State of Minnesota. I congratulate Steve on this well-deserved award and thank him for everything he does for our community. Recognizing Lake Ridge Care Center for 100 Years of Excellent Care

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo, Minnesota, for providing outstanding care for our seniors. This year marks the center's 100th anniversary. For a century, this facility has offered short- and long-term care for older adults. Since a large number of residents are not mobile, the staff of this 100-year- old facility found a new way to get residents moving by starting a ``Daily Boogie Walk'' with music playing over a sound system. With music requests from the 1950s and beyond, residents have been motivated to exercise. As a result, the center's quality measures rose from 41 percent to 70 percent of residents walking. They rose by 130 spots in our State's rankings. Congratulations to the staff at Lake Ridge Care Center for their innovation and going above and beyond, and thanks for caring for our seniors with a profound level of care. Congratulating Bryan Schafer on 33 Years of Service

Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bryan Schafer, development director of planning and community for the city of Blaine. He has done an incredible job. Bryan is officially retiring after 33 years of service. Bryan started with the city in June of 1986 as a code compliance officer. Later, he became the city planner. Since 2000, he has been the director for the city. Bryan has left a lasting impact on our community. Bryan's fingerprints are on the largest projects in Blaine, from the TPC Twin Cities golf course, which is home of the 3M Open--PGA Tour event, to the largest housing development Blaine has seen thus far, The Lakes, which added revenue and growing families to the city. Most notably, Bryan secured 580 acres of land that now serves as the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bryan for his service to the city. Good luck to him in his retirement.

Mr. EMMER

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Father Columba Stewart for being named the 2019 Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities by the National Endowment for the Humanities. During my time in Congress I have had the honor of meeting with Father Columba Stewart in his role as the executive director of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library at Saint John's University in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. During these meetings I learned about his work rescuing religious heritage from sites across the world and the incredible mission he has carried out to preserve the religious art, literature, and cultural artifacts for the preservation of our shared history. Father Stewart's work has taken him to war-torn countries, which earned him the moniker ``the monk who saves manuscripts from ISIS'' by The Atlantic magazine. He has dedicated the last 15 years to finding and preserving the important religious documentation that built our world history. Thank you, Father Columba for all your great work and congratulations. Recognizing Minnesota Recovery Connection

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota Recovery Connection. September is National Recovery Month, but all year long they strive to support care and provide the resources needed for individuals to find freedom from addiction and remain in long-term recovery. Minnesota Recovery Connection's mission is to strengthen the recovery community through peer-to-peer support, public education, and advocacy. They work to eliminate the stigma that prevents treatment, and this month it is important to remind everyone that recovery is possible. Every year Minnesota Recovery Connection hosts Walk for Recovery, which is an important event to bring people together from all over the State to celebrate long-term recovery. It is the largest all-recovery gathering in Minnesota. Minnesota Recovery Connection, thank you for the work you do to support long-term recovery for individuals struggling with addiction. Thank you for being there for everyone in our community and for bringing people together to celebrate recovery. Recognizing Amanda Lawrence

Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amanda Lawrence of St. Cloud, Minnesota. This year at the age of 22, and after only 3 years of training, she has earned the coveted title of Champion of Champions from the International Powerlifting Federation. During her debut at the 2019 World Classic Powerlifting Championship in Helsingborg, Sweden, she broke world records for the squat and deadlift. Amanda's discipline and commitment to train and compete make her a champion. We understand that Amanda is on her way to the U.S.A. Powerlifting Raw Nationals on October 19 in Lombard, Chicago. Good luck in Chicago, Amanda. You have made your community so proud already. Recognizing Brigadier General Johanna Clyborne