Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the Tribal Law and Order Act as an amendment to H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act. I applaud the hard work and diligence of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin, for introducing this legislation; and I thank my good friend, Tom Cole, who has been working hard and well on this legislation. As co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, I know that this legislation is desperately needed. The Federal Government is obligated through various treaties with Indian tribes to provide public safety, yet it has failed in this duty for far too long. Mr. Speaker, violence on Indian reservations is 2.5 times higher than the national average. It is estimated that one in three native women will be raped or sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Only 3,000 tribal law enforcement officers cover over 56 million acres of land in Indian Country. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will impose enhanced sentencing guidelines, provide for more evidence-sharing between Federal agencies, and enhance Federal accountability. It will also provide for more law enforcement officers and increased access to training at State and tribal police academies. Mr. Speaker, finally, this legislation will reauthorize funding for tribal courts, jails and juvenile detention centers. The Senate passed the same legislation through with bipartisan support. I strongly urge my colleagues to do the same and pass this critical piece of legislation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, today I am honoring Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. Bishop Stewart is the Presiding Prelate of the Michigan- Indiana Region, Third Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The 52nd Session of the Michigan-Indiana Regional Annual Conference and Leadership School of the Mighty Thriving Third Episcopal District Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is being held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan this week. St. Peter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Reverend William H. Bell, Jr. is hosting the event. Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. was elected the 50th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1998. Upon his election and consecration he was assigned to the Fifth Episcopal District covering the states of Alabama and Florida. In 2002, Bishop Stewart was assigned to the Third Episcopal District, presiding over the Southeast Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Region, the Michigan-Indiana Region and the Kansas-Missouri Region covering 10 Midwestern States. He has provided the leadership to erect six new churches, purchase six parsonages, renovate numerous churches, enable eight ministers to obtain their Masters of Divinity Degrees, enable three ministers to obtain their Doctor of Divinity Degrees, employ a part-time Director of Evangelism and increase the growth and development of Church Ministries. Bishop Stewart is the Chaplaincy Endorsing Agent of the CME Church; the Chair of the Phillips School of Theology Board of Trustees; Chair of the CME Pastors' Conference; Chair of the CME Annual Convocation; Chair of the Board of Personnel Services; Vice Chair of the Conference of National Black Churches and active with many religious and civic organizations. Married to M. Earline Stewart, they are parents to three children and have three grandchildren. Madam Speaker, the conference theme this year is, ``From Good to Great: The Jesus Challenge to Make Christian Discipleship a Top Priority.'' I welcome the Presiding Elders, clergy, staff, congregants, family and friends of the Michigan-Indiana Region to Flint and I pray that under the leadership of Bishop Stewart, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will continue to thrive and grow in the blessings of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today and pay tribute to a good friend, John ``J.J.'' Horgan. J.J. passed away on Monday, July 12th in Saginaw, Michigan, at the age of 72. Born in New York, J.J. served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. He moved to Bridgeport Township and was active in the community. He served as Chair of the Bridgeport Festival Committee, the Bridgeport United Community Task Force, and as Director of the Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a longtime volunteer, member and past Chairman of the Saginaw County Democratic Party. J.J. was an active member of St. Christopher Catholic Church. He functioned as the President, past Treasurer and member of the Administration Commission and he served as the President of the Men's Club. He ran for a seat on the Bridgeport Board of Trustees and he was a candidate for the 95th Michigan House of Representatives when he was diagnosed with cancer. After having won two battles against cancer in 2001 and 2007, J.J. was upbeat until he succumbed to the disease. He leaves behind to treasure his memory his wife, Geri, his daughter, Frances, sister, Maureen, brother, William, a large extended family and numerous friends. J.J. touched many lives and everyone has fond memories of his kindness, his intelligence and his decency. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and take a moment to remember John ``J.J.'' Horgan. He was a thoughtful, kindhearted, forthright man, full of enthusiasm for life, his family, his church, his community and his country. I valued his friendship and wisdom, and I will miss his cheerfulness, his integrity and his optimistic spirit.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Ron Gettelfinger on his leadership of the United Auto Workers for the past 8 years and to wish him all the best in his retirement. Since 1964, when Ron joined the UAW as a chassis line repairman in Louisville, Kentucky, he began a lifetime of service that led him to become the international president of the UAW in 2002. As president, Ron's leadership has helped guide the organization through some of the most difficult times the auto industry has faced. With his characteristic straight talk and common sense, he has worked with a broad range of stakeholders and has been willing to negotiate to try to find solutions to the recent downturn in the domestic auto industry and help protect our auto communities. This has helped lead to an American auto industry that is well positioned to once again be the economic engine that drives the American recovery. Ron Gettelfinger has been a tireless advocate for American workers and has fought every day to keep American manufacturing jobs from being shipped overseas. I congratulate Ron on his retirement and thank him for his years of advocacy on behalf of American workers. God bless you, Ron. Thank you for all you have done for the UAW, for all you have done for this country.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to Army SPC Joseph Dennis Johnson. Specialist Johnson was killed on June 16, 2010 in Kunduz, Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Funeral services will be held on June 26 at Flint Central Nazarene Church. After graduating from Carmen-Ainsworth High School in 2004, Specialist Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006 and served as an Airborne Engineer disarming improvised devices. He had been stationed in Afghanistan since December 2009. Specialist Johnson considered it a privilege and honor to serve his country. I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Specialist Johnson when we flew from Washington, DC to Michigan together several years ago. I was attending the funeral of a friend, Jack Maxwell, and Jack was Specialist Johnson's great- grandfather. As I sat next to him on the airplane and again at the funeral, I was impressed by his deep love for our country, his passion for his work and his devotion to his family. Specialist Johnson will be deeply missed by his parents, Dennis and Teri Johnson, his sister Jennifer Pollak, grandparents Eugene and Lois Johnson and Glenna Maxwell; his special friend Amanda Gauthier, many nieces, nephews and close friends. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to stand and take a moment of silence to remember SPC Joseph Johnson. He has made the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved deeply and our nation is grateful for his steadfast duty. His enthusiasm for life is an inspiration to all that knew him and his integrity is a credit to his parents and family. I extend my condolences to his parents, family and friends and I mourn his passing.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Steve Schmidt for being a 2010 inductee into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Coach Schmidt serves as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. There will be a salute to his achievements at the college tomorrow. Steve Schmidt became the Men's Head Basketball Coach at Mott Community College in 1991 and over the past 19 years he has led his team to 3 national championships in 2003, 2007, and 2008. During this time they have never posted a losing record and have won 25 or more games in the last 15 seasons. Under Coach Schmidt's leadership his teams have won 12 conference titles, 7 state championships, and 6 regional championships. At the end of the 2009-2010 season Coach Schmidt's career record is 504-119. He has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association Coach of the Year 3 times, has coached 3 NJCAA Players of the Year and 15 All-Americans. Coach Schmidt began his coaching career at Lansing Waverly High School and Lansing Community College working without pay. At the age of 28 he was given the job as Men's Head Basketball Coach at Mott Community College and his success with the team has been recognized throughout the community. Three years ago he was inducted into the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame and a year ago the gymnasium at Ballenger Fieldhouse was named in his honor. He credits teamwork as an integral part of his success and has said, ``The fact of the matter is I've not won a single game by myself. I've been part of a team. All of this is possible because of the efforts of all these players. That's a perspective I've never lost.'' Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the work of Coach Steve Schmidt's work and dedication to his players. I commend him for his skill, his enthusiasm, and his respect for the players. I wish him continued success in his career coaching men's basketball.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel J. Motley, the Grand Worthy Patron of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, Jurisdiction of Michigan. Mr. Motley is only the third person from the Royal Star Chapter No. 27 to hold this esteemed position and he will be honored at an event in Flint, Michigan on Saturday, June 19th. Colonel J. Motley was born the 7th child of 13 children. He graduated from CCTS High School in Alabama and moved to Michigan. He retired from General Motors after 35 years of service. He serves on the Usher Board #2 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and has been a member of the congregation for 46 years. He is a member of the Westwood High Block Club. Mr. Motley and his wife, Barbara, have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He is a member of the Eureka Lodge No. 16 and has served as Worshipful Master for two years. He has served as Excellent High Priest with the Royal Arch Chapter No. 17, and he is the Past Patron of the Royal Star Chapter No. 27. He is also a member of the Saginaw Valley Consistory No. 71. In addition to his work with the Order of the Eastern Star, Mr. Motley helps senior citizens with their lawns, shovels snow in the winter, helps to keep our highways clean, does security watch in his neighborhood, and works with teenage boys through the Ushers Ministry. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to applaud the work of Colonel J. Motley. He is an individual dedicated to helping others in need. I congratulate him for the honor he has received from his peers and I commend him for his charity, fellowship and assistance to both friends and strangers. May he continue in his service to others for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the pages have witnessed this House debate the great issues of war and peace and of justice and civil rights through a program called Close Up, which is a very good program. You have seen this House close up more than any other group. You have seen us at our best and at our worst. You have seen democracy at work. You have enabled us to do our work. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the House Page Board, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all of the pages who have served so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 111th Congress. We all recognize the important role that congressional pages play in helping the U.S. House of Representatives operate. These groups of young people, who come from all across our Nation, represent what is good about our country. To become a page, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends, and learned the details of how our government operates. As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and energy. In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time, they face a challenging academic schedule of classes in the House Page School. You pages have witnessed the House debate issues of war and peace, hunger and poverty, justice and civil rights. You have seen Congress at moments of greatness and Congress with its frailties. You have witnessed the workings of an institution that has endured well over 200 years. No one has seen Congress and Members of the Congress as close up as have you. I am sure you will consider your time spent in Washington, DC to be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences of your lives, and that with this experience you will all move ahead to lead successful and productive lives. Mr. Speaker, as the Chairman of the House Page Board, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this group of distinguished young Americans. They certainly will be missed. I would like to thank the members of the House Page Board who have provided such fantastic service to this institution: Congressman Rob Bishop, Vice Chair, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Clerk of the House Lorraine Miller, Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood, Ms. Lynn Silversmith Klein, Mr. Adam Jones Thank you for your service on the House Page Board. Mr. Speaker, I again yield to the gentleman from Utah.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House Page Board, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all of the pages who have served so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 111th Congress. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the vice chair of the Page Board, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Harold McIntyre. Mr. McIntyre passed away on December 4, 2009 and will be honored at the 2010 Valley Area Agency on Aging Senior Power Day for his work with the veterans of Genesee County. Senior Power Day will be held tomorrow at Crossroads Village in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Harold McIntyre worked as a Surgical Assistant at Flint General Hospital and in the Public Relations Department of The Flint Journal prior to his retirement. He served on the Westwood Heights District Board of Education and was the past commander of the Leo P. Crow VFW Post. A veteran of the Vietnam War he formed the McFarlan Park Veterans Committee to ensure the names of service personnel killed during their service were added to the monument. He was committed to renovating McFarlan Park as a veterans' memorial. Harold was instrumental in organizing the Downtown Small Business Association's Annual Memorial Day veterans march. In 2009 he planned the first Veterans March for the Valley Area Agency on Aging Senior Power Day. The theme was ``A Tribute to World War II Veterans.'' Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory to Harold McIntyre. His work on behalf of veterans reminds us of the great debt we owe to those that sacrificed so much so we could have freedom and I commend Valley Area Agency on Aging for keeping his memory and work alive.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Harold McIntyre. Mr. McIntyre passed away on December 4, 2009 and will be honored at the 2010 Valley Area Agency on Aging Senior Power Day for his work with the veterans of Genesee County. Senior Power Day will be held tomorrow at Crossroads Village in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Harold McIntyre worked as a Surgical Assistant at Flint General Hospital and in the Public Relations Department of The Flint Journal prior to his retirement. He served on the Westwood Heights District Board of Education and was the past commander of the Leo P. Crow VFW Post. A veteran of the Vietnam War he formed the McFarlan Park Veterans Committee to ensure the names of service personnel killed during their service were added to the monument. He was committed to renovating McFarlan Park as a veterans' memorial. Harold was instrumental in organizing the Downtown Small Business Association's Annual Memorial Day veterans march. In 2009 he planned the first Veterans March for the Valley Area Agency on Aging Senior Power Day. The theme was ``A Tribute to World War II Veterans.'' Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory to Harold McIntyre. His work on behalf of veterans reminds us of the great debt we owe to those that sacrificed so much so we could have freedom and I commend Valley Area Agency on Aging for keeping his memory and work alive.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in response to the Chamber of Commerce's recent claim that U.S. free trade agreements have supported 5.4 million jobs. I want someone to show those jobs to me because they certainly aren't in Michigan or my district. Michigan has the highest unemployment in the country. In my hometown of Flint, Michigan, the unemployment rate is nearly 30 percent. At one time, we had nearly 80,000 auto jobs. Now we have about 6,000. With every free trade agreement, we continue to send more jobs overseas and put American workers at a greater disadvantage. Come to my district and I will show you the empty fields that used to employ thousands of American workers before NAFTA, which I opposed. Our trade policy might help create jobs and improve the quality of life for workers in other countries but not in the United States.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, on May 28 Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate 135 years of Christian service in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Mrs. Nancy West opened her home for a prayer service in 1875 and Quinn Chapel was formed. Named after Bishop William Paul Quinn, the congregation dedicated their first sanctuary 2 years later. Over the years Quinn Chapel has occupied different structures, dedicating the current edifice in 1958. For the past 135 years, Quinn Chapel has provided leadership, inspiration, guidance, and strength to individuals and families in the Flint area. The Ministries of Quinn have encouraged the priorities of higher education, healthcare, business and professionalism in the congregation. The Ministries include: The After School Program; The Young People's Department; The Scholarship Committee; The Commission on Christian Social Action, The Commission on Health; The Commission on Public Relations; The Commission on Christian Education; The Commission on Mission and Welfare; The Commission on Membership and The Debutante Cotillion. The keynote speaker at the 135th Anniversary celebration is Roland Martin, award-winning journalist and nationally syndicated columnist. Named by Ebony Magazine in 2008 and 2009 as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States, Mr. Martin is a commentator for TV One Cable Network, host of ``Washington Watch with Roland Martin,'' a CNN Analyst and Senior Analyst with the Tom Joyner Morning Show. He has authored several books, received numerous awards both in the United States and the United Kingdom and was inducted into the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor in 2008. Madam Speaker, under the leadership of Reverend Stanley U. Sims, Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church continues the long tradition of Spirit-filled enthusiasm for worship, love, service, and ``assisting them to become all that God created them to be.'' I pray that the ministers, staff, and congregation of Quinn Chapel will continue their work and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating State Representative Andy Coulouris as he leaves the Michigan Legislature to become the public affairs manager for Dow Corning Corporation in Washington, DC. A farewell event will be held in his honor on May 24 in Saginaw, Michigan. After graduating from Arthur Hill High School, Andy earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Active in public service, Andy served on the Saginaw City Council for 3 years and was an assistant prosecuting attorney for Saginaw County. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 95th District. He recently resigned from his second term on April 30. Andy has worked with the Saginaw County Domestic Assault Response Team, the Bridge Center for Racial Harmony, the Saginaw County Bar Association, the Saginaw Downtown Development Authority, and he is a Vestry Member at St. John's Episcopal Church in Saginaw. Andy and his wife, Natasha, have 2 daughters, Alexandria and Mia. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Andy Coulouris as he starts his new position. I wish him the best as he enters the next phase of his life.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as cosponsor of H.J. Res. 76.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Spencer as he retires from teaching with the Flint Community Schools. A celebration will be held on May 21st in his honor. As part of a long line of educators, Mark began his career teaching with the Swartz Creek School District in 1978. He taught in Swartz Creek Schools for 7 years and then moved to Flint Community Schools working first as a Community School Director then as a school teacher. Over 25 years, Mark worked at Doyle Ryder, Potter, McKinley, Whittier, Cody, and Neithercut Schools. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University and is considered a master teacher by Flint Community Schools. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mark Spencer as he retires from Flint Community Schools. I commend him for his work developing the talents of children and wish him the best as he starts the next phase of his life.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Donald Oetman as he retires as Director of UAW Region 1D. A celebration of Don's life and contributions to the UAW will be held on May 21st in Grand Rapids, MI. Donald Oetman was part of the original group that organized Micromatic Textron in Holland, MI. In 1965 they formed Local 1502 when Don was only 20 years old. He served as Vice-President of the Local and two years later became its President. During this time he held the position of steward and ex-officio member of all standing committees at Local 1502 and served as vice-chairperson of the Allegan-Ottawa CAP Council for 12 years. Don remained the Local's President and its bargaining chairperson until he was appointed to the International Union staff by then UAW President Owen Bieber and Director Robert Fliearman in 1984. In June 1995 he was appointed Assistant Director of Region 1-D and elected Director at the 33rd Constitutional Convention in 2002. He was re-elected in 2006. Committed to community involvement, Don serves on the Board of Directors and the Labor Participation Committee of Greater Kalamazoo United Way and the Holland United Way. He is co-chair of the Muskegon Area Labor/Management Joint Committee, he is on the Board of Directors of Blue Care Network, sits on the Blue Care Network Audit Committee, serves on the Economic Alliance of Michigan Board of Directors and the Board for the Alliance of Health, the Kalamazoo Area Labor/Management Committee, the Red Cross Board, sits on the Board of the Michigan State University Labor Studies Program, the Holland United Labor Building Corporation, the Michigan Association of United Ways, and the Private Industry Council of Allegan and Ottawa Counties. He is a lifelong member of the Coalition for Labor Union Women. Don is a member of the Allegan County Democratic Party and the Michigan State Democratic Party. He was a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention and was an Al Gore Elector for the State of Michigan in the Electoral College. Don and his wife Corlyn have two daughters, one son and six grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of Donald Oetman. From the age of 18 he has acted to improve the lives and working conditions in our factories and offices and many people have benefitted from his commitment to the ideals of labor. I will miss his counsel and camaraderie and I wish him the best in the future.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, today I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Senator James Barcia, former Member of Congress, and current Senator representing Michigan's 31st State Senate District. The Bay City Branch of the NAACP will celebrate Senator Barcia's service at their Freedom Fund Banquet on May 16th. After Jim Barcia graduated from Bay City Central High School he went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 1974. During his college career he was elected student body president and began his lifelong commitment to public service. Jim was elected to three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, and five terms in the United States Congress. He is now serving his fifth term in the Michigan State Senate. In this capacity he serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee he sits on the Human Services Subcommittee, the Community Health Subcommittee and is the Minority Vice-Chair of the Higher Education, State Police and Military Affairs subcommittees. He is also the Associate President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Senator Barcia is married to Vickie Bartlett; he has two stepchildren and six grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the career and life of one of its own. Jim Barcia is a dedicated, unswerving, public servant. He is a dear friend, and I have valued his insight over the years. I congratulate him for being honored by the Bay City Branch of the NAACP for his commitment to their goals and to the community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mark Madden as he retires as Superintendent of Atherton Community Schools in Burton, Michigan. A Mark Madden hour is planned at Atherton High School tomorrow to honor his work. Mark Madden started working for Atherton Community Schools in 1969 as an English teacher. Over the years he taught English, French, and Drama at Atherton Middle School, Atherton Senior High School and in the Atherton Adult Education program. Outside the classroom, Mark worked as the Red Cross sponsor for the Freshman and Junior Classes, was the advisor for the Foreign Study League, the producer of the Atherton Senior High School plays, was an announcer, scorekeeper and crowd control technician for sporting events. He initiated and coached the Varsity Tennis Team and the Junior Varsity Tennis Team. As a member of the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association, his commitment to the sport was recognized in 2002, when he was inducted into the High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame. Mark spent 32 years as a teacher, 4 years as a principal and 5 years as superintendent. In addition to his work with Atherton Community Schools, he also found time to teach English and Education at Baker College. He also participated in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. He has been honored as Regional Tennis Coach of the Year, the Teacher of the Year and Northwood Institute Outstanding Influencer. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the outstanding work and contributions of Mark Madden. He has been a committed educator both in and out of the classroom and I wish him the best as he enters the next phase of his life.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, starting on May 9 Bishop Isiah L. Qualls will be honored by Grace Fellowship Church International in Saginaw Michigan for 40 years of ministry. The congregation is planning to celebrate this milestone over several days. Born in St. Louis Missouri, Bishop Qualls was ordained at the age of 16 and began conducting revivals. He received bachelor's degrees in business administration and biblical studies and has a master's degree in divinity. From the beginning he went on to pastor two congregations and conducts conferences and seminars around the world. Bishop Qualls has been blessed by God with talents for Praise and Worship through music and teaching. He has joined his talents with other singers and musicians, appearing in venues across the globe. Among his gifts is a special call to minister to persons working in ministry with a rhema word of healing and refreshment. Together with his wife, Patricia, Bishop Qualls pastors Grace Fellowship Church International and he is the founding Chief Apostle of Global Ministries International Fellowship of Churches providing apostolic covering to ministries throughout the nation and world. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the ability, work and healing of Bishop Isiah Qualls. His ministry has blessed the lives of hundreds of people and he has brought countless converts into the love of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and I pray that he will continue to bless the community for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Bernice Booker Dean. Sadly, Mrs. Dean passed away on April 23, 2010 in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, at the age of 86. Her funeral will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on May 1. A teacher with the Flint Community Schools for 35 years, Mrs. Dean taught at several elementary schools in the Flint system and was a reading specialist with the State of Michigan Chapter III and Title I reading programs. A passionate advocate for education, reading, social justice, the advancement of women, and physical health; Mrs. Dean mentored numerous youngsters over the years and helped them pursue advanced educational goals. During her younger days she was a member of the first integrated all female band, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. During World War II the band was the first all female group to travel on a USO tour, made several records and appeared in movies. Mrs. Dean was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority--Gamma Delta Chapter and she volunteered in the dialysis department at Hurley Medical Center. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 53 years. Mrs. Dean leaves behind her son, Robert Booker, and her daughter, Patsy O'Neal, several grandchildren, and numerous friends. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Bernice Booker Dean. I pray that the children inspired by her life and example will work to carry on her legacy of enthusiasm, strength and positive action.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Illustrious Potentate Noble James E. Lynch and Illustrious Commandress Daughter Carlion J. Eldridge as they are honored at the 2nd Annual Oman Temple/ Oman Court Unity Ball on Saturday, May 1st in Saginaw Michigan. James E. Lynch Graduated from Sophia High School in Sophia, West Virginia in 1966. He worked for General Motors Buick Motor Division for 39 years as a production worker. Married to the late Crystal Mae Johnson for 34 years, they had four children: Dawn, Felicia, Cassandra and James; and seven grandchildren. James has served as Junior Warden of the John W. Stevenson Lodge Number 56, as a member of the Saginaw Valley Consistory Number 71, and Illustrious Potentate of Oman Temple Number 72 for the year 2010. Carlion J. Eldridge completed Charles Stewart Mott College Nursing Program and currently works at Maplewood Manor in Clio, Michigan serving the elderly. She is married to James F. Eldridge and their children are: Portia, David, Jamille, Isaac, Laetrile, Lakshea, Lovell, and Victor. The Oman Temple Number 72 has bestowed the title of Illustrious Commandress Daughter on her for this year. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the charity, enthusiasm and dedication of these two individuals. I pray their year of service to Oman Temple is a tremendous success.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr. and his wife Marilyn W. Fuller as they celebrate 12 years leading the congregation of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A dinner was held on Saturday, April 10 to honor the occasion. Pastor Fuller received his Bachelor's degree from the United Bible Institute of the United Theological Seminary--Flint Branch. He received an honorary doctorate from United Bible Institute of the United Theological Seminary in Monroe Louisiana. He preached his first sermon on December 12, 1971 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He was inspired to organize a Mission in Holly, Michigan in 1973. The Mission became Faith Baptist Church. Between the years 1983 to 1998, Pastor Fuller headed the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Muncie Indiana. On April 18, 1998, Pastor Fuller returned to his roots and became the Pastor at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to leading the congregation, Pastor Fuller has held several positions with the church and in the community. He has served as president of the Northeastern District Sunday School and BTU Congress of Christian Education of the Northeastern District Missionary Baptist Association in Muncie; president of Indiana Consolidated Congress of Christian Education of the Indiana Consolidated State Convention; served on the Finance Board of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; was a writer with the Publishing Board Sunday School and BTU Literature National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; as an instructor at the Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Indiana; and served as moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist District Association 2000-2007. Marilyn W. Fuller has worked by her husband's side in the Flint community and at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. A retired registered nurse specializing in substance abuse and addictions counseling, Mrs. Fuller currently serves on the Board of Managers of Hurley Medical Center. She works with the Genesee County focus group for the National Coalition of Pastors' Spouses committed to decreasing HIV/AIDS infection in African American Women. She is active in several ministries at Mt. Calvary and at the Great Lakes District level, the Wolverine State Congress level and the National Baptist Congress level. Pastor and Mrs. Fuller have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and honor the work of Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., and his wife, Marilyn W. Fuller. Their enthusiasm and witness have inspired the Mt. Calvary family. May Our Lord, Jesus Christ, continue to bless our community with their service for many, many more years.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 4269.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I spent 6 years in the Catholic seminary studying to be a priest and have always been pro-life. I will be 81 years old this September. Certainly at this stage of my life I am not going to change my mind and support abortion. I am not going to jeopardize my eternal salvation. I sought counsel from my priest, advice from my family, friends and constituents and I have read the Senate abortion prohibition more than a dozen times. I am convinced that the original prohibition of the Hyde amendment is in the Senate bill. No Federal funds can be used for abortion except in the case of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother. I am a pro-life Member, both for the born and the unborn. Parliamentary Inquiries