Marcy Kaptur

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Augusto Bordelois, an internationally acclaimed artist who is opening a new art studio, Augusto Fine Art, in Berea, Ohio, this week. Augusto has a deep connection to Berea, as the city has been his home since 1999. Augusto Fine Art studio will establish a dedicated art space for the entire community, building Berea, brick by brick, in the same way Augusto creates his own artwork. At the new location Augusto will be teaching jointly with watercolorist Nancy Notarianni, who will also have a gallery in the Berea studio. His vision is to create a centralized space that will foster community and collaboration among local Cleveland-area artists who wish to teach or display their work, and by Cleveland-area residents who wish to connect with their artistic, creative side. Augusto, who emigrated from Cuba as a young man, describes his painting style as `magic realism' that has been largely influenced by the Renaissance, as is typical for prominent and gifted artists from Latin America and the Caribbean. He graduated from the University of Havana in Cuba, and has an inestimable and broad knowledge base that he is more than willing to share with others. Augusto is a natural and enthusiastic leader and an active member of the arts community in Northern Ohio, where he is a teaching artist and member of the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, the Ohio Arts Council, and most recently The Art House. He has been awarded `Best in Show' and an Ohio Arts Council Special award at the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts exhibition. Through his leadership in judging Ohio's 9th Congressional District's annual Art Caucus competition for promising high school artists, I have been fortunate to witness firsthand his influence across Northern Ohio, and his passion for helping others reach their full potential. I greatly appreciate his efforts to continue fostering and promoting a growing art community. Augusto's passion has inspired resurgence in community art and, through the new Augusto Fine Art Studio, a dedication to increased access to community art spaces. Northern Ohio should have a minimum of 1,000 art studios across our lush region, which has a natural beauty and rich culture, and Augusto is a leader in reaching that goal. The arts have long been celebrated throughout northern Ohio, with each region hosting multiple arts festivals, in addition to the many small, locally owned shops that populate the region. From the Black Swamp Arts Festival in Bowling Green to the FireFish Arts Festival in Lorain, there are many opportunities to be immersed in the local northern Ohio art scene. I greatly admire Augusto Bordelois and celebrate his vision and legacy in northern Ohio. His unwavering dedication to teaching and promoting the arts has made a lasting mark. Please join me to congratulate and celebrate Augusto Bordelois on this exciting next phase.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Anne Molnar, who passed from this life on Thursday, August 11, 2016 in her adopted home town of Lorain, Ohio. Anne was a dynamo and her spirit remains so. I came to know Anne well in the Fall of 2012. An elected leader in Lorain, she proved an able guide in what was then a new part of Ohio's 9th District. Together, we shared a vision to make life better for the people of Lorain, with special attention to its senior citizens. In all the time I have known her, Anne was a good friend to me and to the people of Lorain. Anne Bokulic was born May 30, 1926 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of the Morton School of Nursing in Pennsylvania and moved to Lorain, Ohio in 1947. She pursued her career as a staff nurse at Amherst Hospital, retiring after 44 years of service. Having practiced public service as a nurse, after retiring Anne began her new career as an elected official. She served on Lorain City Council in her later years, four terms as Ward 6 Council Member from 1998 to 2005 and again as an at large member for three terms from 2008 through 2013. Her tenure was marked by careful attention to the needs of people at both ends of life: older adults and children. She passionately and deeply cared for both, even while ably serving all of Lorain's citizens. In addition to her nursing and political careers, Anne was dedicated to a number of organizations meeting the needs of the community's most vulnerable people. She offered her services as a Guardian Ad Litem for children and Voices for Children, speaking up for children involved in the court system. She was a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Lorain Citizens League. She served as a member of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and the People's Coalition for Better Housing. For a decade she was a member of the Lorain Mayor's Citizens Participation Committee. She served as Treasurer for several school levies. In 1992 Anne was honored to serve as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Anne was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Lorain. Croatian-American by heritage, Anne was proud of her ancestry and continued its traditions and language through her life. Many a fine meal was shared at her hospitable table. Always gracious and grandmotherly, nonetheless Anne Molnar fought the good fight for her constituents. A mentor and friend to many, she was always interested in leading new people to public service and working in collaboration with colleagues. Anne Molnar leaves a long legacy of service in her community. Her spirit and perseverance brought a measure of stability and hope to the people she served and she never gave up in pursuing what she knew was right. Anne Molnar was one of a kind. She was an endless dynamo for her family and community. She never stopped giving or advocating, even in the most nettlesome situations. Anne leaves to cherish her memory her children Michael, Joseph, Robert and Lisa, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, her sister Mary and brother Peter, nieces, nephews and countless friends. We wish for her loved ones peace and some small measure of comfort in remembering this remarkable woman and the gift of her life.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we return from celebrating Labor Day in communities across our nation to pay special tribute to the iconic American automobile known as Jeep. Let us applaud the men and women who have dedicated the best years of their lives to building this enduring industrious vehicle over generations. Toledo invited the world to celebrate Jeep's 75th anniversary on August 13, 2016. Jeeps of every year and model, some quite rare, prototypes and one-of-a-kinds, rolled into Toledo to parade through the streets and show off the Jeep's history. Jeep's story began as a durable and reliable vehicle intended for the theatre of military battle and forged in wartime for the troops fighting in World War II. The do-anything, go-anywhere Jeep long ago evolved from its trademark olive-toned, rugged utilitarian vehicle into a classic and enviable symbol of America's fortitude, determination and resolve. The Jeep has survived and thrived for the past seventy-five years, emerging in our nation's consciousness from ubiquity on the battlefield to a rugged symbol found in millions of driveways around the globe. Though Toledo cannot lay sole claim to its actual origin, the engine powering the 645,000 wartime Jeeps was designed in Toledo and Willys Corporation trademarked the brand name. The history explains that, ``After winning a government contract, Willys-Overland's Toledo factory built approximately 368,000 vehicles for the U.S. Army during World War II. They were shipped all over the world. Where the Army went, the Jeep went.'' Willys-Overland went on to build the ``Jeep station wagon, the first all-steel wagon ever built in America. Toledo also introduced the world to the Grand Wagoneer, the world's first luxury SUV. The next generation of the brand's flagship Wrangler'' will be built in Toledo, too. ``Last year, Jeep sold 1.2 million vehicles worldwide. The company's Toledo Assembly Complex built 538,993, or 45 percent of them. All the while, as Toledoans built Jeeps, Jeep helped to build the City's middle class.'' Much like America itself, Jeep's core characteristics are strength, durability and reliability. This has been made possible by a dedicated hardworking workforce of the men and women of the Toledo region, Jeep's home for all of these years. Our national celebration of the Jeep is as much a celebration of Jeep's workforce as it is this enduring vehicle. The hardworking and dedicated men and women of the United Auto Workers Local 12 have carried Jeep forward over the decades. It is the blood, sweat and toil of thousands of auto workers over three quarters of a century that delivered Jeep to its 75th anniversary. The road has not always been easy: there have been times when the workforce and Toledo were faced with real challenges to ``Keep Jeep'' in Toledo. The aging Willys Overland factory was replaced with a gleaming state of the art modern complex that now produces the legendary vehicles. The City of Toledo and Jeep's workforce have responded time and again to re-making Toledo's signature vehicle. Their efforts have been rewarded as the company continues its investment in its workforce and in Toledo where work is underway on a $700 million retooling and the addition of 700 new jobs. There are Jeep enthusiasts all across our country. They love their Jeeps and the qualities of the vehicle as much as the symbolism. Yet, as its anniversary celebration proved, Toledo loves its Jeep. Its legacy is an important part of our identity as a community. ``I build Jeeps'' a United Auto Worker says with pride. The sentiment was eloquently captured in the Toledo Blade's excellent commemorative insert on the 75th anniversary of the Jeep. The story told through the commemorative insert underscores the significance of the phrase ``Toledo Built Jeep'' to Toledo and northern Ohio. Mr. Speaker, ``It is true that the American people know Detroit as Motor City,'' but I rise today to declare that my hometown, ``Toledo, Ohio is Jeep Country.'' Congratulations to Chrysler Fiat Corporation and the United Auto Workers Local 12 on their building the signature Jeep in Toledo, Ohio. We look forward to the next 75 years in Jeep City.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. DeForest L. ``Woody'' Trautman, of Toledo, Ohio. Woody passed from this life on Thursday, August 19, 2016 at the age of 96. He was an amazing sage and a very community minded man. He was a man of peace. Woody Trautman was born to Charlotte and DeForest L. Trautman in Panama on June 14, 1920 while his father was stationed there in the U.S. Navy. Later the family moved to Drexel Hill in Pennsylvania. Woody went on to receive his undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh and his PhD from Stanford University. He married his first wife Retta and together they raised 3 children until her passing in 1998. Woody's engineering talents were sought by many both in the United States and worldwide. He taught at Carnegie, UCLA and the University of New York at Stony Brook. Through the Ford Foundation he developed graduate schools of engineering in the U.S. He worked for Hughes Aircraft. He worked at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, France. Later the family moved to Chile for five years while Woody helped organize a graduate school of engineering at the University of Concepcion through UNESCO. Settling in at the University of Toledo, Woody was a former president of the Technical Society of Toledo and was named Engineer of the Year in 1978. Once retired, Woody pursued his passions with vigor. He was a grief counselor for Hospice of Northwest Ohio for many years. He was part of the Interracial Religious Coalition and helped organize workshops on world religion. Together with his wife Judy, who he married in 2003, he co-founded the MultiFaith Council of NW Ohio ``to facilitate educational and fellowship activities to promote shared community service across many faith perspectives.'' According to the history, ``When the council began, he said `all faiths and none.' '' With more than 500 members representing many faiths, the Multi-Faith Council is among the jewels in the crown that is Woody Tautman's legacy. In December 2014, Toledo's charter as a ``Community of Compassion,'' was signed after a four year effort by Woody and Judy Trautman and part of an international movement. He once noted, ``I'm honored and humbled at this opportunity to be able to represent the effort to get together all kinds of people in the same room and to share and to find out firsthand we are all the same human race.'' Woody, ``with his chest-length white beard, was a familiar figure in the audience of events that promoted understanding, even if organized by another group.'' His wife Judy explained, ``It became his trademark. People would not recognize him anymore without his beard.'' Judy Trautman commented that Woody ``was persistent and intensely gregarious. People used to say of him that he would just keep asking until they stopped saying no. It was hard to say no to Woody.'' Pastor Ed Heilman of Park Congregational United Church of Christ summed up Woody best when he said, ``He was looking to do good in a practical, pragmatic way. His own questioning mind and his engineering mind was, `Something is going on in the world that needs to be fixed, let's do something about it,' '' To Judy and the Trautman children Patricia, Edwin and Craig, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we extend our deepest sympathy to each of you on the passing of this extraordinary man. Called home, he most certainly was met with the embrace ``Well done, my good and faithful servant.''

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Walter J. Bialek--beloved family man, friend and religious mentor to many. Mr. Bialek passed from this life on September 3, 2009. As we celebrate Flag Day, it is fitting to recall the contributions made by American citizens. Mr. Bialek's son, Joe, has requested recognition of his father's contributions to his community of Cleveland, Ohio. Thus, I submit the following recognition from Joe Bialek honoring his father. Mr. Bialek's memory beats strong in the hearts of his family and his son offers a moving tribute to his father: ``Walter Bialek grew up in the area of Saint Hyacinth in what is now considered a part of the Slavic Village neighborhood in Northeast Ohio. Born in a house next door to the convent that housed many nuns of the Order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, he always spoke very reverently of them about how much he appreciated the values they, along with his parents, helped to instill in him. ``Mr. Bialek graduated from East Tech High School in 1936 and earned a diploma with an emphasis in electricity. He was drafted into the Army-Air Forces in 1941 and served as a Staff Sergeant. At one time he was ordered off a troop truck headed for overseas combat in order to teach twin engine aircraft training to fighter/bomber pilots. Through this he contributed greatly to the defense of liberty and the preservation of all those freedoms we enjoy today. After the war Mr. Bialek was offered a player contract from the Cleveland Indians baseball team but, on the advice of his father, declined it because he did not want to play on Sundays. He worked briefly for the Indians as a Territorial Scout (and kept the business card to prove it.) In 1950, he married Eileen C. Moran. Together they raised six children. Walter Bialek pursued an engineering career starting with Thompson Products-- the T in TRW--and culminating in his retirement from the General Motors Chevrolet Plant in Parma, Ohio after 26 years of service. Throughout, he was active in the Third Order of Saint Francis. ``We join his family and friends in honor and remembrance of Walter J. Bialek, beloved husband of Eileen; beloved father of Mary, Patricia, Eileen, John, Alice and Joseph. He was also the adoring grandfather of Matthew, Chad, Katie, Kimberly, Timothy, Colleen, Tiffany, Nathan, Mark, John, John Jr., Daniel, Andrew, Elizabeth, Steven and Teresa. ``Mr. Bialek's devout life was defined by his deep dedication to family and friends, and his exceptional faith in the Catholic Church. His strong spirit, integrity, energy and good works have served to uplift the lives of countless individuals, families--and the communities in which he resided.''

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Alvin Kreuz of Delta, Ohio. Al passed from this life on May 20 after being given 80 years surrounded by his loving family. Al Kreuz was born in Swanton, Ohio to Jacob and Melvina Kreuz. He was the second youngest in a family of eleven children. After graduating high school, Al enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1955 to 1957. After coming home, he married his wife Charlotte in 1959. Together over the next 57 years Al and Char raised a family of their own: sons Mike, Gary and Alvin John Jr and daughters, Laurie, Becky and Barbie. As the years passed they were later blessed with fourteen grandchildren. Though he spent his professional career with Sohio Company and later in partnership at Toledo Radiator and Glass, Al's true passion as a businessman was his forty year career as owner and operator of Smith's Restaurant in Wauseon, Ohio. Just off the turnpike, featuring delicious home-cooked fare and outstanding pies, everyone in Fulton County and even further knew of Smith's Restaurant and Al and Char Kreuz and their family. Long a business leader, Al had a strong commitment to community and wanted to serve his fellow citizens. He did so as an elected politician, serving three terms as a Fulton County Commissioner. As his obituary noted, `` `Vote for the man, not the party' was his slogan that earned him the distinction in 1980 of being the first Democrat elected in Fulton County in 48 years!'' His tenure was marked by compassion and a devotion to the county and people he served. Fulton County, Ohio and its residents truly benefitted from Al Kreuz's public service. Not just a business and political leader, Al was also a leader in several civic associations including the Knights of Columbus, Wauseon Rotary, Catholic War Vets and the Delta F & M Advisory Board. He also loved sports. His obituary highlights that ``he was an integral member of a group that founded the Wauseon Racquet Club . . . As a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, his talents on the softball field, bowling alley, and golf course earned him many awards and accolades. He was most proud of his nine (no, you didn't misread this) holes-in-one. His skill never abated and for the last twelve years he continued to periodically shoot his age up until the end. As for bowling, his first and only perfect 300 game earned him a $10,000 purse (ironically sponsored by Smith's Restaurant!). His love of athletics and teaching prompted him to volunteer as a coach with the CYO and St. Mary's (now Holy Trinity) basketball programs for 27 years. Additionally he coached little league and later assisted the Evergreen HS golf team.'' His love of sports and support of his teams is also evident in his claim as a University of Michigan Wolverines season ticket holder for 44 years. His favorite sporting events were those of his grandchildren, where he could always be counted on to be cheering for them on the sidelines. As if his devotion to family, his business, community, civic organizations and sports teams was not enough, Al was also a talented tinkerer. As he was tinkering in his workshop he developed ``an amazing talent in woodworking. Many of his family and friends continue to enjoy his labors of love'' including me. I was privileged to know Al Kreuz for more than thirty years and counted he and Char and their family among friends. For a decade we shared the goal of making life better in Fulton County, Ohio. Al Kreuz was a family man, business and civic leader, citizen statesman and so much more. His legacy is writ large in Fulton County, Ohio. His life and times, his service and talents are imprinted there as his good works of family and community carry forward.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate my former colleague, retired Congressman Delbert ``Del'' Latta, who passed away this past May in Bowling Green, Ohio. Congressman Latta honorably served the people of Ohio's 5th Congressional district for thirty years, and was a pillar of the Republican Party, while making friends on both sides of the aisle. He served as close friend and advisor to Presidents Nixon and Reagan. Del was a man of strong convictions, helping him to quietly and steadily serve as a leader of his party for nearly three decades. Before winning his seat in the House of Representatives, Del served as a member of the Ohio Senate for five years. During his early tenure in the U.S. House he served on the Rules Committee, but after 16 years his sterling reputation for honesty and integrity earned him a spot on the Judiciary Committee in 1974. His time on the Judiciary Committee coincided with the Watergate hearings, perhaps the most challenging constitutional period of recent history. Del Latta was steadfast and resolute during this trying time, serving as a loyal defender of a President under siege. For those of us who have been through similar periods of history in this chamber, a President truly values Members of Congress who serve as loyal defenders in public, and honest brokers in private. Del Latta was both a loyal defender, and an honest broker. Del was eminently likeable, even if you disagreed with him on policy. He possessed a truly collaborative nature, enabling him to work with other Members to achieve landmark legislation that would shape the party's platform. In 1981 Mr. Latta shepherded passage of an economic package in the House for a new President, Ronald Reagan. He led with his amiable charm, keen wit, and resilience, all characteristics that I also see in his son, our colleague, Congressman Bob Latta. In 1988 the Congressman chose to end his congressional career on his own terms. At the time, he served as Dean of the Ohio Congressional delegation. Flash forward twenty years and Del's son Bob sought the same seat, Ohio's Fifth Congressional district. Congressman Latta's passion and commitment to his country and his government deserve recognition and the utmost respect. Del was a man who served faithfully with a humble spirit that embodies the Midwest. It was my privilege to have served with him in the U.S. House at a time when there were but a handful of veteran Members. He was always respectful and of good humor. Over the past several weeks I have thought about those weekly trips from Washington to Ohio that I would often share with Del Latta, and how often he spoke fondly about his wife Rose Mary, and his daughter Rose Ellen, and our colleague Bob. How proud he would be today of his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. We offer them our prayers and hope that they find comfort in the wonderful memories of our dear colleague and fellow Ohioan, Del Latta.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, to honor the memory of Javier Jorge-Reyes, a victim of gun violence who never received a moment of action on this House floor. In his memory, we beg the Republican leadership, please, let us have a vote on a bill that has been awaiting passage for years.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan King-Thompson expanded backgrounds checks legislation, to honor the memory of Juan Ramon Guerrero, a victim of gun violence who never received either a moment of silence or a moment of action on this House floor. We ask Speaker Ryan to allow the vote.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify the meaning of the Point of Order. First, it means that the amendment the Appropriations Committee added to the bill, requiring the Postal Service to maintain highest quality delivery standards, is nullified. This amendment was passed for FY 2017 without objection in our Committee and it was included in last year's bill and was passed as well. It stands as a strong measure of support for the US Postal Service in both rural and urban America. Those that neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays them from the swift completion of their appointed rounds--deserve our respect. It is our Constitutional responsibility in Article 1. Second, the Chaffetz point of order will actually cost our citizenry more money by in fact $66M due to the added transportation costs that results from drastically slowing down the processing and delivery of the nation's mail. The timely processing and delivery of mail is critical. The Postal Service delivers 154 billion pieces of mail annually to 155 million delivery points, accounting for 47 percent of the world's mail. This equals over 2,000 percent more than the total business for UPS or FedEx. Third, Mr. Speaker, it would not have been unusual or extraordinary for the Rules Committee to have protected from a point of order the mail delivery standards added to this bill. The Rules Committee actually voted to waive points of order on over 30 partisan riders included in this bill, thereby protecting from removal controversial, legislative provisions impacting the SEC, IRS, CFPB, FCC, and District of Columbia. Finally, further the Ranking Member for the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (Mr. Serrano) has made it clear that the mail-delivery standards are off budget and do not impact scoring. The future of our public Postal Service is threatened by delayed mail. Delayed mail harms small businesses, rural America, and our economy in general. Representatives are hearing from their constituents that mail service has fallen off a cliff with late mail. In fact, a bipartisan majority (235 Republicans and Democrats) has cosponsored H.Res 54, calling upon the Postal Service to take all appropriate measures to restore service standards. The mail service standard language imposes no legislative mandate of specified action on the part of the Postal Service--let me repeat--no legislative mandate of specified action on the part of the Postal Service. The mail service standard language is direction from the House Appropriations Committee to the Postal Service that they must correct an administrative and operational situation that actually costs more money, and which undermines prompt reliable and efficient service to all Americans. When it comes to ensuring the timely delivery of mail for the American people and businesses, Congress holds the ultimate responsibility over postal operations. And now that the Postal Service is being wed to a plan that reduces service standards and slows down America's mail, it is crucial for Congress to exercise this authority. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would reconsider their point of order. Let us do everything in our power to protect the mail delivery standards provision that the Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support added to this bill.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, our laws allow law-abiding citizens the right to possess guns. But why should that right allow those who are reasonably suspected of terrorist activity to purchase weapons of mass destruction? Gun ownership is not an absolute right. Some weapons should be banned, and some people should not be allowed to buy guns. Specifically, let's start today with the proposition that if you are on the terrorist watch list, you should be placed on the gun no buy list. Yes, if you are on the terrorist watch list, you should not be able to buy a gun. Why defend people who are reasonably, reasonably, reasonably suspected by the FBI to be terrorists or terrorist sympathizers? H.R. 5611 fails to value the safety, security, and the lives of the American people. It is simple. We must vote on legislation that truly says, no fly, no buy. Speaker Ryan, bring up the King-Thompson bill, H.R. 1076, to assure that those individuals on the terrorist no-fly list should not be able to buy guns. Speaker Ryan, protect the American people.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, H.R. 2646, and wish to thank Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Pallone, and the two driving sponsors of this measure, Congressman Tim Murphy and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who have adeptly navigated this bill through very choppy legislative waters. The bill takes head-on one of the most compelling and unaddressed health challenges of our society: the suffering, the anguish, the travails, the plight of the seriously mentally ill. The bill will empower parents and caregivers, drive innovation, advance early- intervention and prevention programs, and offer alternatives to institutionalization, and provide the first step in a long time to show respect and real treatment alternatives to Americans living with mental illness. It is no secret our prisons have become the domiciles for the mentally ill. This bill rings out: ``No more, no more.'' Sadly, psychiatric care has become the responsibility of our prison system. Three of the largest mental health ``hospitals'' in our country are incarceration facilities. Speak to any local sheriff. They will tell you their jails are overcrowded with the mentally ill. What too often happens is that the ill person in an adult incarceration facility actually began their journey in a child correction facility, and as they matured, essentially, graduated to the adult facility without their underlying mental illness being properly diagnosed, much less treated. What an indictment of our Nation, not just our health and corrections system, this is, but our entire country. Today's bill calls for a complete overhaul of the current mental health system. It has been needed since the de-institutionalization that sent millions, some to their death when they were sent to the streets. I want to congratulate, as I conclude, Representatives Murphy and Johnson for bringing this bill to the floor and addressing a crying human need for too long ignored in our country. They are doing something noble for the Nation. The severely mentally ill must be humanely treated.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I wish to be heard on the point of order.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, let me clarify what insisting on this point of order means. First, it means that the amendment the Appropriations Committee added to the bill, requiring the Postal Service to maintain highest quality delivery standards, is nullified. This amendment was passed for fiscal year 2017 without objection in our committee, and it was included in last year's bill and was passed back then as well. So it is not something new. It stands as a strong measure of support for the U.S. Postal Service in both rural and urban America. Those that neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays them from the swift completion of their appointed rounds deserve our respect.

Ms. KAPTUR. It is our constitutional responsibility in Article I. We should not retard postal operations. Second, the Chaffetz point of order will actually cost our citizenry more money by, in fact, $66 million due to the added transportation costs that result from drastically slowing down the processing and delivery of the Nation's mail. The timely processing and delivery of mail is critical.

Ms. KAPTUR. Third, Mr. Chair, it would not have been unusual or extraordinary for the Rules Committee to have protected from a point of order the mail delivery standards added to this bill when, in fact, they actually included 30 other amendments that are in the bill that affect the SEC, the IRS, the FCC, and the District of Columbia.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a true public servant and fellow Ohio politician, Ronald Nabakowski. Ron passed away Friday, June 10th after a long struggle with ALS, and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. At the time of his passing Ron was retired, fully enjoying his time with family and actively promoting the redevelopment of downtown Lorain. He had been a public servant in government for forty-two years. Prior to his retirement Ron served as Clerk of Court of Common Pleas in Lorain County for fourteen years, after a long career as State Senator, Lorain County Commissioner, and Director of the Ohio Lottery on Governor Dick Celeste's cabinet. Throughout his long career Ron remained dedicated to making government work better for the people. A Democrat, Ron did not hesitate to reach across the aisle to create comprehensive legislation that could pass the State legislature, and to ensure the community he represented flourished. One of his proudest moments in public service came while serving as Director of the Ohio Lottery. During his tenure, 17 cents of each state dollar went towards primary and secondary education in Ohio--a record that would remain unrivaled by subsequent Lottery administrations. An outspoken politician at times, Ron had many admirers and critics. Regardless of party affiliation, there was no denying that Ron was genuine, and that he would certainly act in a fair manner. He was led by Christian values and his love for the Lorain community. These values served him well, establishing Ron as a public servant of the highest order. Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothea, and six of his children, having been preceded in death by a daughter and his parents. We offer them our prayers and hope that they find comfort in the wonderful memories of our dear friend, Ron, who will be remembered with affection and gratitude for his probing intellect, kind heart, and utter dedication to advancing Lorain as a community, its people and its institutions.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a fellow public servant from Ohio, George Voinovich, who passed away Sunday, June 12th. George was a pillar of the Republican Party, though he occasionally opposed the establishment in the name of good governance. His intellect was unsurpassed, helping him to become a two-term Governor of Ohio, and later to win a seat in the U.S. Senate. Among his numerous achievements, George was proudest of passing the global anti-Semitism bill, efforts to expand NATO, and a bill to protect intellectual property. These accomplishments are a testament to his character, one which helped restore the city of Cleveland in the late 1970s. In addition to political accomplishments, George prided himself on his frugality, in both his public life and private life. Throughout his governorship, his mantra was ``working harder and smarter, doing more with less.'' Occasionally this mantra put George in juxtaposition with his party, such as when he pushed a tax increase that would help stabilize the state's finances. Born in Cleveland on July 15, 1936, George Victor Voinovich was the son of Eastern European immigrants. His culture would strongly shape the man he became, endearing him to the ethnic communities that thrived in the Cleveland area. Sadly, tragedy would also shape his life in later years, after the death of his youngest daughter, Molly, when she was 9 years old. George readily acknowledged this incident as one that elicited a greater depth of feeling and understanding, all of which he reflected back on his work in public service. George passed away suddenly on Sunday, in the company of his wife, Janet. He had just made a public appearance the Friday before at the 25th Slovenian Independence Day event at Cleveland City Hall, and was a delegate to the upcoming Republican National Convention. George is survived by his loving wife and three children. We offer them our prayers and hope that they find comfort in the wonderful memories of our dear friend and colleague, George, who will be remembered with affection and gratitude for his probing intellect, kind heart, and utter dedication to our wonderful state of Ohio.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to remember the life of Susan J. Tolchin, someone whom I had the privilege to work with and who I had long admired for her curiosity, her judgment, and her concern for others. An ardent feminist, who along with her husband Marty, brought attention to the plight of middle-class working women, a class of Americans often overlooked and rarely chronicled, Susan and Marty authored several books together, all of which highlighted the mechanisms that the Tolchin's considered ``occupational hazards of democracy.'' As an author and a professor, Susan focused on and scrutinized political patronage and its many pitfalls, and was one of the first political scientists to identify growing voter disenchantment and disillusion with their government. She wisely concluded that these concerns were deeply rooted in the women's and worker's rights issues, largely discounted and ignored by policymakers, but which she sought to highlight through her teaching and writings. In her seminal and sage work on political patronage, Susan redefined political patronage as that which ``includes the vast range of favors awarded by constantly expanding governments.'' Likewise, her work on evolving voter anger was cutting-edge analysis, far ahead of her peers. For those who had the fortune to know her, Susan was an engaging and charming conversationalist, with a natural curiosity and ability to learn from others. She was always learning and seeking new ideas, and applying this knowledge to her scholarship in the classroom and in her writings in political journals, magazines and books. Susan's legacy of scholarship has provided those of us who also champion women's and laborers' rights with a critical knowledge base. Her work was inspirational, and insightful, and helped me and many others to understand trends and the undercurrents that caused them which others might have missed. Susan was not only dedicated to struggles of the working, middle- class women, but also to her family, whom she loved dearly. She and her husband Martin worked closely together for many decades, authoring many books. She adored her daughter Karen, also a professor, and their charming grandson, Charlie. The tragic loss of their son Charles from a series of health setbacks in 2003 was a show of strength, love and compassion, how a supportive family rallies behind a son in need, with courage and resilience. They were quite a team, Susan and Marty, always joyful and supportive of each other, in the best of times and in challenging times. Those who were fortunate to have known and loved Susan, or who had followed her work, will miss her terribly. Her passion was an inspiration for many, and one can only hope that her passing will not be the last chapter of her story, but that she will continue to inspire countless others. She certainly inspired me. I submit the following list of books authored or co-authored by Susan Tolchin. `To the Victor: Political Patronage from the Clubhouse to the White House', 1971 by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `Clout: Womanpower and Politics', 1974 by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `Dismantling America: The Rush to Deregulate', 1985 by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `Buying into America', 1988 by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `Selling Our Security', 1993 by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `The Angry American: How Voter Rage Is Changing the Nation', 1998 by Susan Tolchin. `A World Ignited: How Apostles of Ethnic, Religious, and Racial Hatred Torch the Globe', 2007 by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `Glass Houses: Congressional Ethics And The Politics of Venom', 2009, by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin. `Introduction to American Government', 2013 By Brigid Harrison, Jean Harris, Susan Tolchin. `Pinstripe Patronage', 2015, by Susan Tolchin and Martin Tolchin.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Rubinger, President and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Mr. Rubinger will be retiring from LISC later this month after 17 years as its creative and results driven CEO. During his tenure, LISC has grown into one of the largest and most well respected non-profits focusing on community and economic development in distressed neighborhoods throughout the country. LISC equips struggling communities with the capital, strategy and technical expertise to make change imaginable. Working with local leaders, LISC invests in housing, health, education, public safety and employment--all basic needs that need to be addressed at the same time for communities to succeed. Michael Rubinger was hired as a LISC program officer shortly after the establishment of the organization. He now completes his more than four decades of service to the organization and leaves in place a reliable, constructive, and innovative partner in community redevelopment made stronger by his stewardship and leadership and the lasting impact that his career has made on the community development field. Among other notable achievements, Michael oversaw the development and implementation of LISC's Building Sustainable Communities initiative, a transformative approach to investing in communities which focuses on proving a comprehensive framework to meeting the needs of the community, including investments in housing, economic development, income and wealth building, education, health, and community safety. LISC and hundreds of neighborhoods across the country are stronger because of Michael Rubinger's vision for healthy and robust communities. He knows the importance of hearing the voices of those in the community and of making sure that key local stakeholders come together to find common ground. Michael is leaving LISC on a high note. 2015 was among the best years in LISC's history, including a record number of program and investment milestones, such as financing 21,000 affordable homes and apartments, opening its 80th Financial Opportunity Center in order to help residents build a more stable future, and establishing new partnerships nationwide. All of that contributed to LISC's $1.3 billion in program and investment activity for 2015, an amazing accomplishment. I have seen firsthand his influence in Toledo, Ohio. His comprehensive approach to revitalization was evident when LISC opened its Toledo office in 1989. It was my honor to introduce LISC to Toledo back then, and I am proud to be associated with the organization that has helped distressed neighborhoods across Ohio. With 16,000 Toledo homeowners unable to afford the cost of major exterior maintenance, Toledo LISC, the Toledo Fair Housing Center and the Lucas County Land Bank created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Inclusive Communities initiative to help those in need. In 2015, nearly 150 families were provided with a complete roof and gutter replacement. The roof and gutter replacements have helped individual homeowners, who live at or below 120 percent AMI, to preserve their property while shoring up Toledo's housing stock overall. These homeowners also participated in financial literacy and homeownership counseling workshops offered by two LISC-backed Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs). The FOCs provided counseling and education to 234 homeowners who applied under the program. I am especially proud of Toledo LISC's work but also know that these efforts are not unique to Toledo--that similar stories have occurred in the 30-plus cities where LISC offices are located, as well as in the over 14,000 rural counties that LISC serves through its national rural program, Rural LISC. It is with great admiration that I pay tribute to Michael Rubinger and to his legacy of service on behalf of low-income families and communities. His unwavering dedication to making communities better and more viable through economic development initiatives in hundreds of urban and rural areas should be commended. I know my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Michael Rubinger on his retirement and in thanking him for his noble choice to spend his most productive years in making America and her neighborhoods better for his efforts.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I noted with particular joy that the House Energy and Commerce Committee moved through, by unanimous vote and complete bipartisanship, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, H.R. 2426. Without question, it is one of the most important pieces of legislation to address the serious mental illness crisis that has plagued our Nation since de-institutionialization turned millions of seriously ill citizens out on our streets, assuming they could function in the community in the second half of the 20th century. That proved not to be possible for millions of our fellow citizens. Lacking effective treatment, many froze to death in back alleys, sat in their own excrement on the sidewalks of our cities, sought refuge under bridges and in doorways and street grates, became victims of abuse, and, too often, disappeared into the vapors of life, propelled by the force of their own unquiet minds. Let me thank profusely and recognize Congressman Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, a psychologist who relied on his three decades of experience, and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, a psychiatric nurse with two decades of experience in practice, for their visionary and unrelenting efforts to move the plight of the mentally ill into the main arena of this Congress. I urge the Speaker to swiftly allocate time for its advancement to the House floor for a vote. Let us do something in our time and generation worthy of being remembered. This bill is it.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. ``He has done irreversible damage to me and my family during the trial and we have sat silently, listening to him shape the evening. But in the end, his unsupported statements and his attorney's twisted logic fooled no one. The truth won, the truth spoke for itself. ``You are guilty. Twelve jurors convicted you guilty of three felony counts beyond a reasonable doubt, that's twelve votes per count, thirty-six yeses confirming guilt, that's one hundred percent, unanimous guilt. And I thought finally it is over, finally he will own up to what he did, truly apologize, we will both move on and get better. Then I read your statement. ``If you are hoping that one of my organs will implode from anger and I will die, I'm almost there. You are very close. This is not a story of another drunk college hook-up with poor decision making. Assault is not an accident. Somehow, you still don't get it. Somehow, you still sound confused. I will now read portions of the defendant's statement and respond to them. ``You said, Being drunk I just couldn't make the best decisions and neither could she. ``Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked. Having too much to drink was an amateur mistake that I admit to, but it is not criminal. Everyone in this room has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much, or knows someone close to them who has had a night where they regretted drinking too much. Regretting drinking is not the same as regretting sexual assault. We were both drunk. The difference is I did not take off your pants and underwear, touch you inappropriately, and run away. That's the difference. ``You said, If I wanted to get to know her, I should have asked for her number, rather than asking her to go back to my room. ``I'm not mad because you didn't ask for my number. Even if you did know me, I would not want to be in this situation. My own boyfriend knows me, but if he asked to finger me behind a dumpster, I would slap him. No girl wants to be in this situation. Nobody. I don't care if you know their phone number or not. You said, I stupidly thought it was okay for me to do what everyone around me was doing, which was drinking. I was wrong.''

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. I thank Ranking Member Visclosky for the time. Mr. Chair, I, regretfully, rise in opposition to this defense bill--a bill I certainly would prefer to support. Surely, this decision is difficult because of the deep respect I hold for the chairman, Congressman Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, and for Ranking Member Visclosky of Indiana; but like this year's National Defense Authorization Act, this bill recklessly endangers our servicemembers by severely restricting the financial stability, certainty, and budgeting predictability that commanders need to plan beyond next April. Over and over, our service chiefs and secretaries have requested one thing from Congress--stability and predictability in the budget so they can properly train and equip their troops for war. ``Do your job,'' they say, ``so we can do ours.'' This bill does not fulfill our responsibilities as a Congress nor does it uphold our end of the bargain with our servicemembers and their families. Instead, this bill replaces predictability with political posturing, and it replaces stability with budget shortsightedness. It places our national defense in a position of uncertainty after April 30 of 2017, and it proclaims neither strength nor vision. Thus, it shortchanges our troops who need it most--those engaged in the battlefield. This bill creates a funding cliff that sends a message of hesitation to both our allies and our enemies during a time when steadfast resolve is vital to our success. Throughout my career, I have always supported our troops and our national defense. Whether honoring veterans with the World War II Memorial or pushing for energy independence to increase security at home and abroad, our commitment to protect and defend the American people has always been my top priority as a Member of Congress. However, I can't support a bill that causes a soldier who is deployed in Afghanistan or in any theater to wonder whether or not he or she is going to be paid on May 1 of 2017. I urge my colleagues to vote against this flawed and incomplete bill. Finally, in closing, let me extend special regards to my brother, Steve, who is as courageous a fighter as I have ever known.