Thad McCotter

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Madonna University, located in my hometown of Livonia, Michigan, upon the 75th anniversary of the school's founding by the Felician Sisters. In 1937, the Felician Sisters established Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary Junior College on what had been sprawling farmland. As a teaching college with a staff of 18 Sisters committed to providing higher education to area Catholic schools, the school grew to include service- oriented majors such as nursing, hospice, sign language and criminal justice. After 10 years of rapid growth, Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary College expanded to a baccalaureate institution and was renamed Madonna College. In 1965, the main Academic Building and Residence Hall were dedicated. Madonna launched its first master's program in 1982, and in 1984 dedicated a new library and Kresge Hall. Madonna became a University in 1991 and currently offers more than 50 undergraduate majors toward associate and bachelor degrees as well as 22 masters programs in clinical psychology, business, criminal justice, education, history and health professions. The year 2009 brought the University's first doctoral program in nursing and the dedication of the Franciscan Center for Science and Media. The Franciscan Center has been awarded Gold Status for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design by the United States Green Building Council. The Ford Motor Company Technology Wing offers opportunities for students to work collaboratively on class projects. From its humble beginnings Madonna University has been at the forefront of academic excellence. Mr. Speaker, for 75 years Madonna University has been true to its mission and Franciscan values. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Madonna University and the Felician Sisters for their commitment to furthering education and their positive influence on our community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Schoolcraft College in my hometown of Livonia, Michigan as it celebrates 50 years of serving the residents of southeastern Michigan. In October of 1961, voters approved the formation of Northwest Wayne Community College. On February 6, 1963 the college was renamed Schoolcraft College in honor of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, an American geographer, geologist, and ethnologist, noted for his early studies of Native American cultures, as well as for his 1832 discovery of the source of the Mississippi River. An essential part of our community, Schoolcraft College continues to provide outstanding and affordable educational opportunities to a district reaching into three counties, sixteen municipalities and six school districts. While best known for its Culinary Arts, Nursing and Public Safety programs, Schoolcraft serves students by providing general education and transfer credits at reasonable cost. Having served as a member of the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, I am impressed by the college's intelligent investment in expanding and upgrading the school's infrastructure. This has provided tremendous opportunities to educate and re-train the workforce in Southeast Michigan. In 2003, the ribbon cutting ceremony opened the VistaTech Center. A state of the art facility, it is home to Schoolcraft College's award winning culinary arts program and business development center. The Culinary Arts Department boasts four Certified Master Chefs and seven Executive Chefs. This gives Schoolcraft College a higher Certified-Master-Chef-per-student ratio than any other culinary school in the country. The VistaTech Center also is home to the American Harvest Restaurant, a student operated restaurant, where students provide exceptional gourmet cuisine and service to the local public. In 2008, Schoolcraft hosted the grand opening for the new Biomedical Technology Center, BTC. This cutting edge building is home to several science and technology-focused programs and its growing nursing program. This building supports the mission to train our youth in promising future careers in the high tech and biomedical fields. The Biomedical Technology Center hosts truly top-notch labs: Imaging and Analysis Lab, Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Biomedical Engineering Technology Lab, Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab. From an initial enrollment of 2,425, attendance has now grown to more than 36,000 students each year, each of whom can choose from 70 academic majors. Schoolcraft's Continuing Education and Professional Development Courses reach an additional 16,000 annually through credential programs, professional development, personal enrichment, and courses designed to further personal interests. Mr. Speaker, Schoolcraft College has served, trained, educated and advanced the interests of our region for 50 years. As a former Schoolcraft College trustee, I ask that we congratulate them on their devoted service as an exemplary and vibrant campus, finding innovative ways to inspire students of all ages to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Brett Everett Wood, a courageous and noble soldier, who died on September 9, 2011 at the age of 19. Army Private First Class Wood laid down his life when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. A 2010 graduate of Owen Valley High School who enlisted shortly after his high school graduation, Private Wood was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Private First Class Wood had recently returned to active duty after recovering from head wounds suffered in a previous IED blast. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal among several other military honors. A hard worker, a proud and brave American, and a loving son, Private First Class Brett Wood leaves behind his beloved parents, Malissa and Chris Frye and Mitchell and Angela Wood. He is survived by his adored brothers Nikk Wood, Brandon Wood and Cory Poland and dearly loved sister Amber Poland. His grandparents, Charles and Evelyn Wood and Jim and Sandy Corns will long remember him. Private First Class Brett Wood made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in Operation Enduring Freedom. To his fellow soldiers, his family and friends, and to everyone who knew and loved him, he was a dedicated member of his community who answered the higher calling to serve his country. Mr. Speaker, during his lifetime, Brett Everett Wood enriched the lives of everyone around him by employing energy, leadership, and courage in everything he set out to do. As we bid farewell to this exceptional individual, I am reminded that freedom does indeed exact a heavy price and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and honoring his contributions and years of devoted service to his community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps based in Plymouth, Michigan as they celebrate 40 years of service to our community and our country. Formed in November 1971 by Mark and Carol Petty, the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps is not only the first fife and drum corps in Michigan, but the first fife and drum corps in the entire Midwest. Corps members aged 12-18 are dedicated to the preservation of the arts of color guard, fifing, and drumming through performances at parades, historical and patriotic celebrations, and other civic events. Each year the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps embarks on an eight to ten day tour to visit and perform at historical sites. The group prides itself on a celebrated history, having performed at sites of historical importance in the personal life and military career of George Washington during its silver anniversary year of 1996. The crowning moment of the tour was receiving a standing ovation after a performance for the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the official ceremonial unit of the Army, and escort to the President. The Old Guard has long served as a model for the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps. Mr. Speaker, for 40 years the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps has maintained a prominent presence in the Metropolitan Detroit area and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada to preserve our nation's musical heritage. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the storied members and alumni of the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, and in recognizing their four decades of patriotic inspiration and loyal service to our community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, the administration and the Democratic Senate, in their posturing, show what America knows: We are being neither led nor governed. Yet in their policy irresponsibility, they remain united in their party unity. On the right, take note: It is as unwarranted and injurious for a Republican to call a Tea Partier a hobbit as it is for a Tea Partier to call a Republican a RINO. We cannot unite America if we divide the movement. Consequently, the time has come for the Tea Party to grow up and the Republican Party to wake up and come together to serve and save this great Nation.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. I thank the gentleman from California. We hear a lot of talk about plans. We hear a lot of talk about secret default plans, Senate plans, the Reid plan, but we've yet to hear about the President's plan. We live in a period of time where we are engaged in a struggle against economic stagnation, where 30 million people can't trade jobs because there are no better ones out there, where 14 million people are unemployed. We live in a period of time where inflation is rising, real wages are declining. In short, we live in a period of time in which we are being neither led nor governed. We are seeing postures, not plans--with one exception. The House Republicans have endeavored to meet the duty that was entrusted to them by the American people, which is to put forward a plan that will prevent the default of the United States and a diminishment of our economic credibility in the world. Unfortunately, what we get in response is not an attempt at honest bipartisan collaboration. Instead, it is more political rhetoric, more partisanship, more posturing. At this point in time we have before us a plan that can work. It is not a perfect plan. People on both sides of the aisle have their qualms with it. And yet it is a plan that can be helpful to the American people, that can be helpful to ensuring that our economy does not further deteriorate, a plan that can make sure that Big Government no longer crushes the aspirations of the American people to grow this economy, to find employment, to secure their pursuit of happiness around their hearth and home. For that, I will support this bill, and I would urge my colleagues to do it, because the American people deserve no less.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Don Massey and to mourn him upon his passing at the age of 83. Born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee on April 28, 1928 to Samuel Henry and Ila Marie Massey, Don became enamored of the automobile business when, at the age of 14, he took a summer job as a porter at a Jacksonville, Florida Dodge dealership. Ten years later Don, now married to his beloved Joyce, had moved to Michigan with $300.00 and a love of cars. Employed at a used Desoto/Plymouth dealership in Wayne, this natural salesman moved on to Paul McGlone Chevrolet where he advanced to the position of General Manager within two years. Under his direction, McGlone became the number one Chevrolet dealership in the world from 1958 until 1960. Deteriorating health and a stern warning from his doctor dictated Don make drastic changes to his heavy workload and, in 1960, he felt he had no choice but to retire. After several months, Mr. Massey felt well enough to begin a new venture and opened a very successful used car lot of his own in 1961. Five years later, Don again retired, selling the lot, and moved to Plymouth, Michigan. Boredom quickly set in and Don bought ``a little store that sold a couple hundred Oldsmobiles and fifty-sixty Cadillacs a year.'' He intended to work half days. A New Year's Day 1967 blizzard dropped several feet of snow and while digging out to inventory his stock, the indomitable Don sold seven cars. In a short time Don Massey Cadillac would become the top Cadillac dealer in the world, a title it would hold consistently. A legendary salesman, Don believed in acquainting himself with his customers. His friendly approach brought him many a friend and sold many a car. In 1981, Don Massey acquired the second of his many dealerships when he purchased Capitol Cadillac located in Lansing, Michigan. Over the next decade he expanded his successful Southern charm to Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, California and Texas. When General Motors launched its Saturn brand, Massey opened the first of three Saturn dealerships in the Detroit area in 1990. Although he sold every brand under the General Motors umbrella, Don Massey became known as ``The Cadillac King''. Don Massey believed in his employees and promoted from within. His distinctive Southern drawl was recognizable in radio commercials for his dealerships. While he was never one to micromanage his businesses, he always left an imprint of his unassuming, personable style, and was an active member of his community. He co-sponsored the Plymouth Ice Sculpture contest, held an open barbecue on the 4th of July and donated the lights to the Plymouth baseball park bearing his name. He wanted his wife Joyce to be remembered. Massey built a wing on the Colorado hospital she was treated in after a debilitating car accident and named it after her. Don partnered with the St. Joseph Mercy Health System to establish the Joyce M. Massey Traumatic Brain Injury Day Treatment Center. A beautiful garden at Madonna University, in my hometown of Livonia, also bears the late Joyce Massey's name. As Don was nearing 70, offers to buy the colossal Massey conglomerate began. In 1998, he sold his three Saturn dealerships to General Motors. The next year GM bought his Ann Arbor Cadillac showroom but an offer to purchase the rest of the Massey holdings was rejected. Don sold his portfolio of sixteen dealerships in 2002 but he remained the voice of the dealership which still bears his name. One enduring piece of advice he shared, ``Keep both feet firmly on the ground and don't overextend yourself--socially or financially.'' Sadly, on June 10, 2011, Don passed from this earthly world to his eternal reward. Reuniting in eternity with his beloved wife Joyce, daughter Joellen and brothers Tom and Sam Henry, Don is survived by his children Donald Jr. and Brenda, brother Bobby and sister Ruth. Mr. Speaker, Don Massey will be long remembered as a dedicated husband, legendary businessman, philanthropist, community leader and above all as a friend. Don was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his country. Today, as we bid Don Massey farewell, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his unwavering patriotism and legendary service to our community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. Leonard Rezmierski upon his retirement after 46 years of service with Northville Public Schools and having served the last 20 years as Superintendent. After receiving a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University in 1965, Leonard Rezmierski went on, in 1969, to earn a Master of Arts majoring in Special Education with a minor in Administration at the University of Michigan. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy, majoring in Education and Anthropology, at the University of Michigan in 1982. Founder of the Galileo Leadership Training Program, Dr. Rezmierski served as the Tri-County Alliance President and as the Michigan Association of School Administrators Region 9 President during the 2003/2004 school year. He held the position of MASA Region 9 Vice President in the prior year and during the 2006/2007 school year he was chosen as President Elect while also being an active member and Past President of the Wayne County School Superintendents' Association. Dedicating considerable time and effort to the Council for Exceptional Children at the state, national and international levels, Leonard has also devoted himself to the Wayne County and the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. Dr. Leonard Rezmierski has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Northville Parent-Teacher Organization Service Achievement Award, the Marvin E. Beekman Administrator of the Year Award, the Susan Phillips Gorin Award for Outstanding Service to University Students and the TASH (The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps) Award for Leadership in Non-Adversive Programming for Handicapped Students. Active in his community as a member and Past President of the Northville Rotary and as a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Leonard has volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader, a youth hockey and Little League Baseball coach, and with Meals for the Homeless Program. Perhaps, the most poignant recognition of his devotion to educational distinction, innovation and leadership in academics, athletics, the arts and community service is the establishment of the Dr. Leonard Rezmierski Fund for Excellence. This enduring legacy will stand as confirmation of Leonard Rezmierski's idea of valuing the unique contributions of every child and adult to their school community. His perception of educational experience transcending classroom walls and reaching beyond traditional academics innovatively prepares students to work, live and succeed in our ever more global society. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Leonard Rezmierski has faithfully served the students and citizens of Northville, Michigan. As he enters the next phase of his life with his beloved wife Virginia, his daughter Sara and his son Ryan, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and excellence. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Leonard Rezmierski upon his retirement and recognizing his years of loyal service to our community and country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge St. Raphael Catholic School, located in Garden City, Michigan, as they celebrate 75 years of commitment to the education of the youth of our community and our country. Established in 1936 upon land generously donated by Ms. Florence Cowperthwithe, the meeting hall which became the first school was built using primarily donated materials, contributions and volunteer labor. The original windows were donated by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. Undoubtedly, this demonstrates a literal truth; it is the people who build a parish. Father Anthony Kirchner, the second pastor of the fledging St. Raphael the Archangel parish, led the effort to convert the hall into a four-room school. Again, the labor and materials used were largely donated. The IHM sisters could no longer stay on and the Sisters of St. Francis agreed to take on responsibility for the school. They have remained diligent in their commitment. As the parish and the community grew, additional school buildings were built in 1950 and 1956. In its 75-year history, St. Raphael's School has grown from a converted hall serving a handful of students to a campus with a capacity of 500. Mr. Speaker, for 75 years St. Raphael School has provided a Catholic education for students ranging from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the students, parents, faculty and alumni of St. Raphael Catholic and in recognizing their years growing in friendship, knowledge and God's spirit as part of our community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Sister Mary Ann Smith, President/Principal of Ladywood High School, as she receives the Helen Kern Morris Award from the Father Kern Foundation and Most Holy Trinity Church, located in Southwest Detroit. Each year the Helen Kern Morris Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a deep commitment in the Catholic faith and dedication in serving her community and the needs of the less fortunate. Born in Bronson, Michigan, Sister Mary Ann is the third of four children born to Leo and Martha Smith. She completed her elementary education in Bronson at St. Mary's Assumption and responded to God's calling to enter the Aspirancy of the Felician Sisters. After attending both the Felician Academy in Detroit and Livonia's Ladywood High School, Sister Mary Ann entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice, Felician Sisters. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music/Education from Madonna University in 1972 and went on to Wayne State University where she earned a Masters in Music/Education in 1980. Impressively in 1987, Sister Mary Ann received a Master's Degree in Educational Administration at the University of Dayton. From the State of Michigan she obtained Administrative Certification K-12 Building Level Leadership Improvement, a Secondary Certificate in Music-K-12 and in Music 9-12. Sister Mary Ann Smith has served on numerous Boards and Committees in the academic community, is a member of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and is a choir member and cantor at St. Monica Parish. She taught school in Detroit, Hamtramck, Wyandotte, Bay City and Livonia and served as Principal at St. Florian High School in Hamtramck before becoming Principal/President of Ladywood High School in my hometown of Livonia. Mr. Speaker, Sister Mary Ann Smith has bettered the lives of countless students. Celebrating more than 40 years in Catholic Education, Sister Mary Ann Smith has been a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice for 44 years. As she receives this much deserved award for her tireless efforts on the behalf of the youth of our metropolitan area, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding her legendary leadership, and in thanking her for her unfaltering service to our community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Joint Baltic American National Committee, an organization founded 50 years ago to advocate for democracy in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and to foster a strong relationship between those countries and the United States. Founded at the height of the Cold War on April 27, 1961, the Joint Baltic American National Committee has been a powerful advocate for democracy and independence for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. After years of oppression and occupation by the Communist regime in the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries finally restored their sovereignty and regained independence in the early 1990s. Since that time, the Committee has worked to strengthen the relationship between those nations and the United States and to scrutinize Russian policy towards its neighbors in Eastern Europe. Importantly, the Joint Baltic American National Committee was and continues to be a strong proponent of membership for Eastern European nations into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). When the Baltic countries became members of both organizations in 2004, the Committee focused more of its attention on promoting democracy in Belarus, where Alexander Lukashenko continues to cling to power and oppress his people. Moreover, because of Russia's use of its energy resources as a weapon against its neighbors and the violation of Georgian sovereignty by the Russian military, the Committee has reinforced its work in support of a resilient security partnership between the countries of Eastern Europe and the United States. Today, the Committee continues to advocate for a strong U.S. role in the region, to promote democracy and human rights worldwide, and to bear witness to the legacy of communism. Mr. Speaker, the Joint Baltic American National Committee has served the Baltic countries and their citizens with distinction. As we congratulate the Committee on reaching its 50th year in existence, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and honoring its work on behalf of the free people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the American citizens of Baltic heritage, and democracy for all of those still yearning to be free.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Paul Scupholm and mourn him upon his passing at the age of 76. Born on January 8, 1935, Paul Scupholm attended Detroit Cooley High School and graduated in 1953. Paul served as a Congressional Aide to Representative Jack McDonald from 1967 through 1973, was Executive Director of Friends of Detroit Public Library and a board member of the Redford Library. He was the founder of the Redford Soccer Club. Paul Scupholm spent many hours making wooden toys to be donated to several children's hospitals. Regrettably, on April 30, 2011, Paul Scupholm passed from this earthly world to his eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois, and his children, Brad, Jeff, Greg and Jennifer. A devoted brother to sister Rosemary, Paul leaves a legacy in his grandchildren Lindsey, Stephanie, Vicki, Barbara, Beth, Mackenzie, Lexi, Trevor, Tessa, Brady, Olivia, Kaden and Ava. A courageous and honorable man, Paul will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, Paul Scupholm is remembered as a dedicated husband, a compassionate father, devoted brother, concerned leader and a friend. Paul was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his country. Today, as we bid Paul farewell, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his unwavering patriotism and service to our country and community.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dominic J. Ciaramitaro, a courageous Marine and noble soldier, who died on April 23, 2011 at the age of 19. Lance Corporal Ciaramitaro laid down his life while bravely conducting combat operations In the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Ciaramitaro was an antitank missileman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was a 2009 graduate of South Lyon High School who as a member of the football team. Lance Corporal Ciaramitaro enlisted in the Marines the day after his high school graduation and began his career as a Marine in November 2009. Lance Corporal Ciaramitaro deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December 2010 and was promoted to lance corporal on Jan. 1, 2011. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. A hard worker, a proud and brave American, and a loving son, Lance Corporal Dominic Ciaramitaro leaves behind his beloved mother, Debbie Beaupre and his treasured father and stepmother, John and Lynn Ciaramitaro. He is survived by his adored brother Salvatore and dearly loved sisters Holly, Lucy, Elizabeth and Grace. His grandparents, Marie and Sam Ciaramitaro, his grandmother Susan Boston and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends will long remember him. Lance Corporal Dominic Ciaramitaro made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in Operation Enduring Freedom. To his fellow soldiers, his family and friends, and to everyone who knew and loved him, he was a dedicated member of his community who answered the higher calling to serve his country. Mr. Speaker, during his lifetime, Dominic Ciaramitaro enriched the lives of everyone around him by employing energy, leadership, and courage in everything he set out to do. As we bid farewell to this exceptional individual, I am reminded that freedom does indeed exact a heavy price and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and honoring his contributions and years of devoted service to his community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Abraham (Abe) Breehey, a devoted husband, father, son, and brother and to mourn him upon his sudden passing at the age of 34. Abe was the Government Affairs Director of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Born in Binghamton, New York in 1976, Abe Breehey graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Sienna College in Loudonville, NY. He earned a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University of Albany and went on to serve as a Legislative Assistant during the 107th Congress and 108th Congress. He joined the IBB legislative staff in 2004. Abe was a sagacious voice for labor, widely respected on Capitol Hill and throughout the ranks of his union for his intellect, passion and commitment. He had the innate ability to build consensus across political and ideological lines. On April 14, 2011, Abe passed from this earthly world to his eternal reward. He will long be remembered as a husband devoted to his beloved wife, Sonya and his treasured young daughter, Abigail. He is survived by his parents, Ray and Carol, his sister Rachel, three nieces, a nephew, and his loyal dog Kesey. Abe leaves behind a legacy of many friends whose lives were bettered for having known him. Mr. Speaker, during his lifetime, Abe enriched the lives of everyone around him. As we bid farewell to this vibrant man, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his unwavering patriotism and legendary service to the working men and women of our community and our country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today we do not revel over the death of bin Laden, the butcher; we rejoice in the triumph of justice. We thank our citizen soldiers, the intelligence community, and the Obama administration for finishing this mission; and we forever remember the fallen and comfort the families who so grievously suffered on September 11, 2001. Now let us press our efforts against al Qaeda and their terrorist cohorts, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the tyrannical Iranian regime. For while our world has witnessed justice, our world remains dangerous; and we must be ever vigilant against such clear and present threats to our liberty and security. We have dispatched a murderer, not his movement. We have won a battle, not our struggle. But in so succeeding, we have served notice to every terrorist, tyrant, and tyrannical regime that we will win.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. I too would like to join in the chorus we've heard today to thank Father Coughlin for bearing the cross that is Congress. Mr. Speaker, as we hear the debates that will continue on into today on the budget, we will hear much hue and cry; but when we look at the reality, the Ryan House Republican proposal is really a very modest attempt to sustain the welfare state, and I believe it is an important one. When history looks back after the momentous changes in which we find ourselves, it will view the Ryan House Republican budget as but a baby step in escaping Big Government's implosion. It is a responsible course; it is a responsible choice because it is between bankruptcy or prosperity; and I and the American people will choose prosperity.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for yielding. We have heard from the minority party that their budget seeks to harness the American people. Why? They have already saddled the American people with record spending deficits and debt. Just say ``neigh.''

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Colonel John Lazar, upon his retirement after having served this great Nation since 1981, most recently as Director of Operational Contracting Support and Policy with the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army. In 1981 John Lazar enlisted in the United States Army. Upon his graduation with a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986, he was commissioned as an Armor officer. Colonel Lazar went on to serve as a Tank Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Assistant Battalion Operations Officer in the 1st Battalion 68th Armor Regiment at Wildflecken, Germany. He commanded Alpha Troop 5th Squadron 12th U.S. Cavalry at Fort Knox, Kentucky, served as an Assistant Professor as a member of the faculty at West Point, as Chief of the Joint Contracting Center in Hungary and as a Brigade Operations Officer for the United States Army Contracting Command Europe. Colonel Lazar commanded the Defense Contract Management Agency of both Canada and Central Iraq. He also served as Military Deputy to the Director of Acquisition Resources and Analysis in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. Colonel Lazar has earned several graduate degrees including a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University in 1994, a Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisition Management from Webster University in 2000, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2007. He has a vast military education consisting of Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College as well as the aforementioned United States Army War College. Colonel Lazar holds acquisition certificates of Level II in Program Management and Level III in Contracting. Highly decorated and awarded in his career, Colonel John Lazar has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal with Yugoslavia Bar. Mr. Speaker, since 1981 Colonel John Lazar has faithfully served the citizens of the United States. As he enters the next phase of his life with his beloved wife Renee and their three children Erika, Jacob and Matthew, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and excellence. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel John Lazar upon his retirement and recognizing his years of loyal service to our community and country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. We've seen throughout our lifetimes the argument put forward that the way out of a fiscal mess is to raise taxes. And we've learned one thing: if they tax it and take it, they spend it. Over and over and over again the same siren song: government must increase revenues, that revenues are the problem. In short, the hardworking American people are the problem because they don't pay through the nose for the Federal Government's overspending. I think the American people understand that we have not a revenue problem but a spending problem. So as we go forward, I think it is wise to remind many of our colleagues that if taxation is the road to prosperity, why do they not have 100 percent taxation? Because they know that it does not work. They know that it is a short-term expedient that has long-term damaging consequences to the economy. And as you go forward and you try to punish productivity, you produce unemployment, you produce poverty. In short, the cycle continues anew. As productivity drops, revenues drop. Then the calls for more revenue come in because the spending never stops, because the spending as we saw with the stimulus and other legislation of the past Democratic majority is that they will then spend even more money to try to get their way out of a crisis. It was disappointing to see the President buy into the logic that your prosperity comes from the government rather than from the fruits of your own hard work, and that somehow the government is entitled to whatever of your money it deems necessary to continue its wasteful spending habits. Again, this is rejected. As the gentleman from New Mexico understands, we live in a very difficult period of time. We are making the transition from an industrialized society to a globalized, consumer-driven economy. We have seen families across America and businesses across America make the difficult decision to survive, to compete. They have not only had to discard things that they wanted, but things that at times they felt they needed. And yet one entity, one entity above all has failed to emulate the difficult decisions made by men and women across America, and that entity is Big Government. And the reason is very simple: You can only spend what you make, but Big Government can spend what it takes from you. And so today, we saw the President again make the argument that if we just took more from the American people or a certain segment of the American people--disregarding his rhetoric that we were all in this together. Evidently that is now as pass as some of his other pronunciations. The reality remains that we have to grow our way out of this. We have to adapt to a consumer-driven economy. We have to have a citizen-driven government, one that understands that the founding principles of this country are there for a reason; that now that we have reached the height of the zenith of the industrial welfare state that fosters dependence of individuals upon it rather than fostering and facilitating self-government and liberty and prosperity, that the day will come when this government and its fiscal recklessness proves unsustainable. The question before us now is a very simple one: Will we responsibly and constructively address this crisis by performing our constitutional responsibilities and fulfilling the promises we made to our constituents, or will we go on with the same tired tax-and-spend policies that didn't work in the seventies, which in many cases were known quite simply as ``soak the rich; spend the bread''? Bad idea. So to the gentleman from New Mexico, I thank him for his time and point out that the fiscal debate which will continue here tomorrow is a very simple one: You can protect the Big Government policies of the past or you can look forward to a self-government, a citizen-driven government, a consumer-driven economy that unleashes the entrepreneurial genius of America and the diligence of workers and allows families to move into a future of liberty and prosperity. Or, in short, you can support the President and the politics of the past, or bankruptcy; or we can look forward and let the American people lead us into a new era of liberty and prosperity.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Ah, the new civility. I would like to start, Mr. Speaker, by thanking my Democratic colleagues this morning for disabusing me of an affliction. When I woke up, I found that I had a hankering to listen to Led Zeppelin, and I couldn't figure out why. This has happened before, usually when I leave the TV on at night and they run one of those Rolling Stones '70s buy it now before it's more expensive or in the dustbin ads. So I was walking over here and I'm thinking, wow, is it because there's been a communication breakdown between the parties? It's possible. It's possible. I said, Is it because one of the nice Senators is wearing a cashmere sweater? It's possible. But, no, I was sitting here today when I realized why I wanted to listen to the melodious strains of Page, Plant, Jones, and John Bonham. It's because for the Democratic Party, the song remains the same. Once again, seniors and children wake to the hysterical, frightening visage of specters of gloom and doom--Democrats. Once again, we are regaled with the Democrats' entitlement reform plan. It is called do nothing, spend everything, go bankrupt, benefits bye-bye. We continue to see a party that does not understand you cannot lift an economy when it is crushed beneath the weight of Big Government. We continue to see a party ideologically zealous in spending your tax dollars on Planned Parenthood to the point where they would shut down the Federal Government to do it. And we continue to hear the fundamental crux of the issue of a potential government shutdown. The Democratic Party will shut down the government so they can spend more of your money. The Republican Party is committed to keeping the government open and spending less of your money. In fairness, it is not just Led Zeppelin they remind me of, because the reason we stand here today on the precipice of a government shutdown is because they did not do their work when they had total control of the United States Congress last year. They could not even pass a budget, let alone finish these appropriations which we are still dealing with well into April, let alone lay out a coherent strategy to do so when the parties changed power in this House. The song remains the same, but the American people recognize the song and dance. They will not be fooled. They know that the major change that we see before us today in the fight over government spending is a very simple one, and a very simple choice. It is the difference between bankruptcy and solvency; and the Republican Party stands for solvency and for liberty.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, as we are all very well aware, we are on the verge of a potential government shutdown over the critical issue of spending. For those who are confused by the caterwauling that they hear from this Chamber as to where the parties stand in relation to spending your money and the future deficits and debt of this country, let me put it as clearly as I can. The Democrats support shutting down the government for more spending. The Republicans support keeping open the government with less spending. I trust your wisdom to determine which you prefer and which you deem in the interests of this country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. I rise in support of the rule that I think for two reasons that are very important. The first is so that we can continue to discuss what happens when you bury prosperity beneath Big Government. But second is because we also need to be reminded that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It seems to me that when you have an impasse on the budget, it is borne of the difference very fundamentally that one side wants less spending and one side would like more spending, and there are a bunch of Members who wind up in the middle. Now, I think we can all concede, whatever our positions, that reducing Federal spending is hard. Certainly past precedent proves that. Past precedent also proves something else: that, historically, the way you break a log jam in Congress is to logroll. That is the process whereby Members who have differences split that difference and spend more money to make each other happy and to serve their constituents as they think best. What we have done in this bill is to incentivize spending, because I want you to think of the situation we are in. You are now telling a politician that you will get no money in your pocket until you spend money from someone else's pocket. You are telling them that the fastest way to end an impasse is to settle. And you are making it harder for those who would seek more spending reductions to stand their ground and fight for it. So that is why I support the rule and why I oppose the underlying bill, because I will not pave the fiscal road to hell with good intentions or your money.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the Michigan Class D State Champion Girls' Basketball team from Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes High School. On March 19, 2011, the Lakers sealed a 53-35 victory over the Bark-River Harris Broncos, clinching their second consecutive Class D State Championship under Head Coach Steve Robak. After winning the East Division of the Detroit Catholic High School League and claiming their third consecutive CHSL C-D Division Championship, the Lakers began district play by crushing West Bloomfield Frankel Jewish Academy's Jaguars 72-4. Our Lady of the Lakes rolled over the Clarkston Everest Collegiate Lady Mountaineers in the district final, 64-20. Moving on to regional match-ups, Our Lady of the Lakes slipped by Marine City Cardinal Mooney by a score of 43-41. The Lakers shut down Southfield Christian, 51-43 in the regional final to move on to state quarterfinals where they defeated the Bay City All Saints Cougars 61- 36. The Trojans of Central Lake fell to the Blue and White 52-41 on March 17 to clear the Lakers path to the Class D Final. Facing Bark- Harris in the final game of the season, the Our Lady of the Lakes press held the Broncos in check giving the Lakers the right to raise high the Class D State Championship trophy. Mr. Speaker, with a season record of 23-5-0, the 2011 Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes Girls' Basketball team deserves to be recognized for their determination, achievement, spirit and effort. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Lakers for obtaining this spectacular title and in honoring their devotion to our community and country.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Edgar Hagopian and to mourn his passing at the age of 80. Born on August 16, 1930, to Haroutun and Cariana Hagopian, Edgar dedicated his life to serving our community and our country. He was an exemplary citizen with an incredible work ethic who held an absolute love for his ancestral Armenia. After graduating from Detroit's Cass Tech High School in 1948, Edgar studied at the University of Michigan and valiantly served in the United States Army during the Korean war. After being honorably discharged on December 7, 1954, Technical Sergeant Hagopian joined his father's business, where he had frequently worked since childhood. Thus began a long and storied career, establishing himself not only as a successful entrepreneur but as an ardent advocate and activist for our community and Armenian causes. Edgar served on the board of directors of the Armenian Assembly of America, the board of governors of the Michigan Design Center, the Detroit chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and the Michigan chapter of the Seeds of Peace. He was an associate in the Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and was involved with the Armenian Library. Edgar also founded the Detroit chapter of the Armenian American Business Council. Edgar was named ``Man of the Year'' by the Canadian Armenian Business Council in 1995. In 2002, he was inducted into the International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame, and Edgar was awarded the 2005 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This prestigious award was created to honor ancestral groups who, through struggle, sacrifice, and success, helped build this great Nation. Edgar Hagopian deeply loved his community, and his community loved him. Always mindful of his humble roots, Edgar always endeavored to better our world. He was a mentor to many and an avid patron of the arts. A pensive philanthropist, Edgar led Hagopian Companies to donate in excess of $70 million in goods and services to local charities. Sadly, on March 27, 2011, Edgar passed from this earthly world to his eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Sarah, and his children Suzanne, Edmond, and Angela. Yet Edgar's legacy will continue in the lives of his grandsons Alexander, Adam, and Nicholas. As he joins his brother Arthur in eternity, Edgar is also survived by sisters Mary and Ilene and his brother Steve. Mr. Speaker, Edgar Hagopian will be long remembered as a compassionate father, a dedicated husband, a passionate champion of Armenian causes, a philanthropist, a community leader, and above all, as a friend. Edgar was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community, and his country. Today, as we bid Edgar Hagopian farewell, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and in honoring his unwavering patriotism and legendary service to our community and our country. I would also ask us to reflect on what is perhaps the most poignant part of Edgar's legacy: We are not enriched by what we do for ourselves but by what we do for others within the short span of time God grants. Truly, Edgar Hagopian used the time he was given to leave us all better off; and now, in honor of him, let us return the favor to our fellow human beings.

Mr. McCOTTER

Mr. McCOTTER. I thank the gentlelady. I thank her for her kind words and her attempt to draft me. In this age of hope and peril, today we all assemble with earnestness and sincerity to discuss matters of liberty and tyranny, matters of life and death. What we see in Afghanistan is a counterinsurgency operation being led by the United States. It is the most difficult and painful type of military operation to witness because it does involve working with the population, winning hearts and minds, and helping to build the institutions of democracy and liberty at the community and national levels, which have been nonexistent for decades. Yet because the cause is difficult, it does not mean we can turn away from it, because the Afghan people cannot turn away from it. In 2006, I was fortunate to be on a CODEL with many of my colleagues, and we had the opportunity to meet women who were serving in the Afghan National Assembly. Despite the difficulties in translation, it was very clear that they wanted to accomplish two things: they wanted to serve the Afghan people, who had entrusted them with their positions; and they wanted to honor the men and women of the United States military, who had risked and given so much for them to have that opportunity. As I said, I deeply appreciate the sincerity and earnestness of this debate today because, in this instance, clearly, it is not one based upon partisan division, but one based upon the dictates of conscience. I think it is very important that we look into this situation and see that it is not simply the United States that is involved here and that it is not simply a question of leaving without consequence. If we leave now, if we back this resolution, there will be consequences to the female Afghan National Assembly parliamentarians, who are trying to build freedom within that country. In my discussion with those brave women, they brought up how difficult it was for them: how hard it would be to build a sustainable democracy; to build an economy; to build, in many ways, what we here take for granted. I said to them that it was very important to remember that the United States, itself, was not always a great national power and a beacon of hope and freedom and that in our darkest days after the Revolution there were many who thought this free Republic would fail, and there were enemies who sought its destruction. Yet, at the founding time, the people of the United States and their leaders were able to take this Nation's democracy and turn it into one that not only secured freedom for itself but one that expanded it to others. I said that it was within the Halls of the United States Congress, within the Halls of our institution, that you could see the pictures of the Founders, like Jefferson and Madison, hanging from the walls, which remind us of what we have endured, what we enjoy, and what we must return. I told the Afghan National Assembly women that one day their daughters and granddaughters would look up and see on the walls their portraits hanging in a free Afghanistan that was allied with the Free World against terrorism and that was a beacon, itself, to those who were oppressed--because they will be free, because we will honor our duty not to seek miserly to hold our own freedom for ourselves, and because we will follow what Lincoln said: In seeking to extend freedom to the enslaved, we ensure freedom for ourselves. We will continue to stand with the Afghan people. We will continue to honor the commitment to the solemn word of the United States as she gave to that country; and one day, we will look back, and we will be proud of the votes we cast today.