Candice Miller

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, this week, we saw the latest outrage from Wall Street when it was exposed that AIG paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses, much of which went to workers in the division that helped actually cause the economic meltdown, and all with taxpayers' money. The excuse we are given is that those are contractual obligations and they must be paid, and we are supposed to just accept that. Let us contrast that with how American auto workers are treated when General Motors or Chrysler need bridge loans from the government. They are told that they make too much money and that their contracts are killing the companies, and that they must take less or else the Federal Government will let the companies die. So let's get this straight; AIG employees, who helped implode the economy, are given bonuses with taxpayers' money because it's in their contract, while UAW workers whose companies were badly hurt by the economic meltdown--partially caused by AIG--are told that their contracts must be disregarded or renegotiated. That is a vivid example of the double standard where people who work on Wall Street get their contracts upheld, but people who work on the line, it doesn't matter, and let them eat cake. This is wrong, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I yield to the distinguished chairman.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the chairman for his comments. And I would certainly yield to our ranking member from the subcommittee as well.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, last year a constituent of the mine, Gail St. Laurent, told me of a story surrounding the passing of her mother, who had a long battle with cancer. Fortunately, her mother had very good insurance, so she was able to get many, many drugs administered to help her manage pain during the final days of her life. Gail was there when her mother passed away, and before her mother was taken out of the room, Gail watched as an official took all of the remaining drugs that her mother had, including OxyContin, Marinal, and liquid morphine, and then this person flushed them down the toilet. Then Gail had to sign a form that she had witnessed them being flushed down the toilet. Now, not only were those drugs sent down the toilet and into our water system, but they were perfectly good, including two vials of liquid morphine delivered just that day, and could have been used to help other patients. This is not an isolated incident. Only about 1 year ago, the Associated Press reported the results of a 5-month investigation into America's water, and their results were shocking. A vast array of pharmaceutical products were found in the water supplies and the water systems that serve millions of Americans their drinking water supply. These drugs were found in water systems all across our country, from Detroit to southern California, from San Francisco to New Jersey. These drugs, which included treatments for high cholesterol, sex hormones, and anti-depressants, have also been found to be causing havoc on our ecosystems, resulting in mutated plant and animal life. Now, there are a number of ways pharmaceuticals can end up in our lakes or our rivers and our water supplies. But the most direct route right now is when health care facilities and individuals flush unused drugs down the toilet. As this issue began to get more attention, I learned that Federal agencies have issued varying guidelines on how to dispose of drugs that are no longer needed. The AP actually noted that the government has an inconsistency in this area, and this is a follow- up story from September of 2008, and I quote: ``Federal agencies don't have a consistent message. For example, the Fish and Wildlife Service says do not flush unused medications, while the White House, backed by the FDA and the EPA, says flush prescription drugs down the toilet if they are on the list in the special guidelines. Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration says there is no safe, secure, and reliable disposal system for some narcotics.'' Mr. Chairman, if we are to begin the process of cleaning up our water and safely disposing of these drugs, the Federal Government's message needs to be consistent in telling consumers what to do. My amendment very simply directs the EPA to convene a task force of the relevant Federal agencies to develop uniform recommendations on the proper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals. These recommendations would be designed with the goal in mind of reducing the detrimental effects caused by unused pharmaceuticals entering our Nation's water supply. The task force would also develop a strategy to educate the public on these recommendations. And I would hope that the task force could also find a safe way to allow for unused drugs to be given to other patients who would benefit from their use. A year from enactment, the task force would then be required to submit a report to the Congress on their findings, and 6 months later, the task force would be disbanded. So while I do not expect that this problem will be solved overnight, I feel strongly that we must begin paying proper attention to this issue because of its impact on our environment and its potential impact on public health. This amendment can get us started on working toward a solution. And if we can get everybody on the same page in terms of how to dispose of these products properly, then perhaps we could take a very significant step forward towards protecting our Nation's drinking water supply. I certainly want to thank my friend Gail St. Laurent not only for the loving care that she gave to her mother but also for bringing this serious issue to my attention. Gail has really endeavored to make something good happen from that instance in her life. I would urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to adopt the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment because, quite simply, Davis-Bacon works. Some might say that Davis-Bacon is nothing more than a giveaway to unions, but nothing in Davis-Bacon actually requires government contractors to hire union labor. All Davis-Bacon actually does is to require that a local prevailing wage be paid to employees who do work on government infrastructure projects. And it just so happens that in many cases, when Davis-Bacon is applied, that union labor is hired because they have outstanding training that warrants the wage that is being paid is paid to them. And in the end, most importantly, good work is done on public projects. Let us also remember for a moment what actually happened after Hurricane Katrina when then-President Bush suspended Davis-Bacon during the emergency rebuilding. During that time, Mr. Speaker, we saw local workers turned away in favor of immigrant labor from other areas, many of them workers who were in this country illegally. It got so bad after Katrina that I joined a number of my Republican colleagues in going to President Bush to implore him to restore Davis-Bacon protections. President Bush then rescinded his earlier order and the people of the gulf coast got the jobs they needed and the rebuilding went much smoother. And I will say this: When government work is being done in Michigan, I want highly skilled Michigan building trades workers to get those jobs. Mr. Chairman, again, very simply, Davis-Bacon works. And I would urge my colleagues to reject this amendment.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Davis-Bacon ensures that local workers benefit from projects being done in their area. The Water Quality Investment Act will help us make great strides, I think, in efforts to maintain and to improve our Nation's water infrastructure and to clean up the Great Lakes. As I say, for all these water projects throughout our entire Nation, as my colleague from Florida has mentioned, this is such a critically important piece of legislation. On our side, I think you can expect an awful lot of support for this bill. Clean water is not a partisan issue. Water doesn't know if it's in a Republican district or a Democratic district or what kind of district it is, but it is for those of us in Congress to speak up and to support, again, this rule and this bill, and I would certainly urge my colleagues to do so.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise to support this rule, as well as the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that if the last century was all about the world's obsession with oil, that this century is going to be about water; fresh, clean water. Now, you cannot drink oil, but you cannot live without fresh, clean water. In Michigan, we are truly blessed to be surrounded by the Great Lakes. These bodies of water are a world treasure--not just a national treasure, but a world treasure--because they comprise fully 20 percent, or one-fifth, of the fresh water drinking supply of our entire planet. Unfortunately, after years of industrial pollution and sewage overflows from aging, inadequate underground infrastructure and sewage systems, all of this has taken a toll on our magnificent Great Lakes. This bill, the Water Quality Investment Act, continues a very proud tradition of continuing our efforts to improve water quality, both in the Great Lakes and around our Nation as well. I want to commend Chairman Oberstar, as well a Ranking Member Mica, for their work on these very important bills. As has been mentioned, we are consolidating five very important bills that passed the House last year into this one piece of legislation which is, again, so critically important to our fresh water supply in our Nation. Specifically, this bill is authorizing $13.8 billion for capitalization grants for Clean Water Revolving Funds, and $1.8 billion for grants to deal specifically with sewer overflows. It is estimated, Mr. Speaker, that 24 billion gallons of municipal sewage find their way directly into local water systems every year, and that is the equivalent of over 100 olympic-size swimming pools full of sewage each and every day getting into our water supply. This legislation recognizes this problem and acts to correct it. This bill also reauthorizes the Great Lakes Legacy Act, which, unfortunately, will expire next year if we don't take action now. As a result of this act, nearly 800,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments have been removed from areas of concern in the Great Lakes Basin. But we still have a very long way to go. We need to continue this good work because 31 areas of concern which have been designated remain in the United States alone, and then there are five others that are split between the United States and the nation of Canada. This bill increases the authorization for this program up to $150 million annually, again, which will help us meet our goal of cleaning up the Great Lakes. I also want to take a moment and mention my support for the application of Davis-Bacon requirements to projects funded from Clean Water Revolving Funds in this act. As a Member, Mr. Speaker, coming from the great State of Michigan, which is, unfortunately, suffering with over 11 percent unemployment today, I want to be absolutely certain that water infrastructure projects in my State are built by workers who live in my State, a State where we need every single job that we can get.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, all too often, it seems as though celebrities get caught up in their own life and have little time for those who are struggling in this very difficult economy. Well, Jay Leno is not one of those people. In fact, I think Jay Leno is an American hero today, because on Tuesday's Tonight Show, Jay Leno announced he will soon be doing a show at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Metro Detroit for the unemployed workers who have been struggling in this difficult economy, and the show will be absolutely free of charge. Jay is donating his immense talent in an effort to give those workers who have been struggling a night out for a few laughs. I certainly also want to praise the leaders of the Palace who have offered up the facility free of charge for this event. Jay Leno is a ``car guy'' who understands the hard work done by our Nation's auto workers and the incredible products they produce, and he understands that in this tough economy, many of those workers no longer have jobs. It is absolutely outstanding that he is doing this to help lift their spirits and to help highlight the economic challenges that we face around our Nation, but especially in southeast Michigan. I want to thank you, Jay Leno. We in Metro Detroit welcome you, and you have our sincere thanks.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Huron County, Michigan Sherriffs Office. Address of Requesting Entity: 120 S. Heisterman St. Bad Axe, MI 48413. Description of Request: Funds would be used for law enforcement technologies. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Sanilac County, Michigan Sherriffs Office. Address of Requesting Entity: 65 N. Elk Street, Sandusky, MI 48471. Description of Request: Funds would be used to replace their current computer system which lacks storage capabilities and is antiquated. The goal is to convert the current system to a Windows platform which would allow for more interoperable connectivity with agencies at the local, state and federal level. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lapeer County Sheriffs Office. Address of Requesting Entity: 3231 John Conley Dr. Lapeer, MI 48446. Description of Request: Funds would be used to add Mobile Data Terminals to eight patrol cars. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: Small Business Administration--Business Loan Programs. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Macomb County. Address of Requesting Entity: 1 S. Main St. 7th floor, Mt. Clemens, Ml 48043. Description of Request: The funds would be used to provide a variety of much needed programs and services including training such as business plan and marketing writing and assistance. Additionally it would serve businesses and entrepreneurs in Macomb County who currently does not have access to vital services. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: Health Resources and Services Administration--Health Facilities and Services. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Thumb Rural Health Network. Address of Requesting Entity: 210 S. First St. Harbor Beach, MI 48441. Description of Request: Funds will be utilized to establish and enhance integrated communications systems for a small network of small, rural critical access hospitals. Funds will be used to purchase equipment, establish a system wide communications and triage network thus cutting down movement between these 5 hospitals located all over Michigan's thumb area. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: Higher Education (FIPSE). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Saint Clair County Community College. Address of Requesting Entity: 323 Erie St., Port Huron, MI 48061. Description of Request: This funding would be used to develop a 2 year alternative energy degree. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: Higher Education (FIPSE). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Macomb County Community College. Address of Requesting Entity: 14500 E. Twelve Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088. Description of Request: The funding would be used to develop a comprehensive 2 year alternative energy degree. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: Investigations. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments. Address of Requesting Entity: 535 Griswold St. Ste. 300 Detroit, MI 48226. Description of Request: The funding would be used to establish a partnership of federal, State of Michigan and local agencies to guide the implementation of the Lake St. Clair Management Plan. Funds would also be used to develop a strategic implementation plan that will guide the Army Corps in its implementation of the Management plan. Both activities are a requirement of Section 3089 of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: O&M. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers. Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226. Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging channels in Lake St. Clair. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: O&M. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers. Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226. Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging Caseville harbor. Bill Number: H.R. 1105. Account: O&M. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers. Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226. Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging the Clinton River. Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: O&M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging Lexington Harbor Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: O&M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging Port Austin Harbor Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: O&M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging Port Sanilac Harbor Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: O&M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Description of Request: The funding would be used for dredging the St. Clair River Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: EERE-Building Technologies Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Clair County Community College Address of Requesting Entity: 323 Erie St. Port Huron, MI 48061 Description of Request: This funding would be used for infrastructure to match and accommodate a developing curriculum regarding alternative energies. Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: TCSP Transportation and Community and System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: County of Sanilac Address of Requesting Entity: 60 W. Sanilac Rd. Sanilac County Courthouse, Room 214, Sandusky, MI 48471 Description of Request: The funding would be used for a bike path between Lexington and Port Sanilac Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: AIP--Airport Improvement Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Sandusky Address of Requesting Entity: 26 W. Speaker St. Sandusky, Ml 48471 Description of Request: This funding would be used for the extension of the runway and new taxiway. Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Buses and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Sanilac Count Transportation Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 25 S. Arthur St. Carsonville, MI 48419 Description of Request: This funding would be used for the replacement of buses. Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Buses and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 230 South Monroe St. Lapeer, MI 48446 Description of Request: This funding would be used for the replacement of buses.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am going to be offering the motion to recommit momentarily, which will be offering to restore the tax credit for car purchases to the full $11.5 billion, which was reported by the Senate to the conference committee. Unfortunately, it was stripped out of there. The Democrats watered down this proposal to $1.6 billion, which will have almost no impact on the auto industry. Of course, my being from Michigan and as we all know, the auto industry is on its knees.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. In its current form, yes, I do oppose the bill.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I come from Macomb County, Michigan, which is the proud home of the Reagan Democrats. And it is a community that has been impacted as much as anybody in this Nation by the economic downturn. And I do not need to be lectured by anyone about the challenges we are facing, because we live with it every single day. I understand. Believe me, I understand. So when President Obama talked about an economic stimulus plan that was focused on tax cuts or massive infrastructure investment, I was there. But what we are about to vote on today is unrecognizable from what he talked about. Michigan is a State of about 10 million people, and we are the hardest hit, as I said, by this economy. And yet we are expected to get approximately $7 billion from this bill. And apparently the Senate majority leader has earmarked $8 billion for a rail system from Las Vegas to Los Angeles? You have got to be kidding. You have got to be kidding. As everyone knows, Michigan is dependent on the auto industry, which is on its knees right now. So I was incredibly disappointed to see an $11 billion auto incentive to spur auto sales reduced to $2 billion in the conference report. Please vote ``no'' against this bill.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 632, the National Silver Alert Act. This legislation will provide federal grants to states to assist them in the development or improvement of an alert system for seniors. I believe that a society can be judged by the compassion it shows to the most vulnerable in that society. And in America those are our children and our seniors. We all know that our society is aging and many in our community are facing the challenges posed by dealing with aging parents and loved ones. We worry about the safety of our seniors, particularly those who suffer from either Alzheimers or dementia. And our first concern is to ensure that our loved ones get the care they need. Many times those seniors when going about everyday tasks like going to the store or walking their dog can wander or drive off and become lost. Statistics show that as many as 60% of patients with Alzheimers or dementia will wander at some point during their illness. Those same statistics also show that if they are not found within the first 24 hours that as many as 50% will suffer serious injury or death. That is enough to elicit serious concern from any loved one or care provider. We have experienced similar issues with young children who wander away or are taken by someone. To combat that problem we established the Amber Alert system. Amber Alert ensures that the information concerning that child is shared with law enforcement and with the general public through the media and signs along our roadways. We have all seen these reports when they are issued and we all keep an extra keen eye to provide any assistance we can to return those children to safety. The Amber Alert System works and it works well. Our seniors deserve no less support, particularly those suffering from Alzheimers or dementia. They too often can become confused and travel far distances or to areas of danger with little ability to find their way home. That is why I strongly support the National Silver Alert Act. I am hopeful that we can quickly pass this important legislation and urge all of my colleagues to support this measure.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to join so many of our colleagues, not just from the great State of Michigan but from the great, great Nation of America to honor our colleague here--truly a giant, a giant of this House and a legendary leader in Michigan as well--Congressman John Dingell, as he becomes the longest serving Member of this House in the history of this body. Every Member of this House is addressed by the term ``the honorable,'' but perhaps no other Member of this House deserves that title more than the Honorable John Dingell. For the last 19,420 days--an amazing number--more than 53 years, John Dingell has served the people of Michigan and of our Nation with honor and with distinction. He has been a vocal fighter for our State, a champion for working men and women across this great Nation. He is a man whose word is his bond, and I know that personally from so many experiences. His word is his bond. If he gives you his word, Mr. Speaker, take it to the bank. None of us can ever doubt the sincerity with which he approaches his cause nor his ability to work with Members across the aisle in different Chambers to find solutions to the enormous challenges that have been facing our Nation during his long tenure here, and there is no better ally to have when fighting an issue than John Dingell. Again, I know this from personal experience because he is a zealous advocate for his cause and an incredible leader and, again, has that rare ability to bring people together. As my colleague from Michigan said, there is simply no better person with whom to share a foxhole than John Dingell, and while I will respect and honor John Dingell for his service to the people of his district, Michigan and this Nation, the thing that gives me the greatest pleasure is to be able to call John Dingell ``friend.'' I say that with the greatest sincerity, Mr. Dingell. Congratulations, Mr. Chairman, and my sincere best wishes for another 19,000 days of service here in this establishment.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 559, the FAST Redress Act of 2009. This bill requires the Homeland Security Secretary to create a timely and fair process for individuals who believe they were delayed or prohibited from boarding a commercial aircraft, or entering the country because they were wrongly identified as a threat when screened against any terrorist watch list or database used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection, or any other component of the Department of Homeland Security. We have heard many news reports of people whose names are similar to those on the watch list, detained for hours at border crossings and airports, all because their name is the same or similar to a person with suspected terrorist ties. The Fast Redress Act would set up a dedicated office within Department of Homeland Security to coordinate and streamline the process of appeal for individuals who believe they have been wrongly placed on a government watch list and consequently remanded to secondary screening. This office would then create and share a ``Cleared List'' of individuals who have gone through the redress process and that list would be disseminated to all components of DHS--preventing the same individuals from being stopped by multiple government agencies. My home state of Michigan is home to the first and second busiest border crossings on the northern tier of the nation, where thousands of people cross the border into Canada every single day. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is also a hub for Northwest Airlines and is one of the busiest airports in the nation. When you combine the fact that southeast Michigan is home to one of the largest Arabic populations in America, the vast majority of whom are law abiding and patriotic Americans, with the important international travel corridors that exist in our community, far too many of my constituents have been needlessly inconvenienced without the goal of security being advanced. Unfortunately, my office has been contacted by numerous people who were mistakenly detained, often at gunpoint, because their name mistakenly appeared on the terrorist watch list. Now, American citizens will have a process to permanently clear their names, and spread that information throughout the DHS and others who use the watch list. And that will make it a more effective tool to keep our nation safe. We must ensure that our CBP officers and TSA agents spend their limited time, manpower and resources on genuine threats to our security; scrubbing the watch list is an important first step to making sure that happens.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I believe that there is broad bipartisan consensus in this House that we must act to stimulate our economy. And actually, the vote last week indicated that there is a bipartisan belief that we can do better. I have talked to my constituents, to local school districts, and local government and business leaders, and the consensus is that we must do better. Too many programs were included in that bill that will not stimulate our economy. When we are borrowing money from our children and grandchildren, we have a responsibility to make certain that the plan will work, that it will create jobs, and that it will help get our economy moving. President Obama has reached out his hand asking for bipartisan cooperation, and many of us are ready to answer his call. I believe that we can create a bill along the broad outlines put forward by the President and pass such a bill with strong bipartisan support. All it will take is the majority including good ideas and putting aside other nonstimulative policy goals for another day. We can get this done, and for the sake of our economy and the American people, I hope that we will get it done.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Almont Township Fire Chief Paul Wilcox who sadly passed away on Thursday, January 8th after a hard fought battle with cancer. I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family members and friends and hope they can find comfort and ease during this very difficult time. As a former township and State elected official, I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet and work with Chief Wilcox on several issues. I know his leadership, integrity and community service will be greatly missed throughout Lapeer County and the entire State of Michigan. He truly was a great person. Chief Wilcox amazingly fought fires in the Almont area for over 40 years and served as chief for 23 years. But he took his call of public duty beyond the walls of the fire station by serving in numerous roles such as an instructor at the Lapeer County Fire Academy during the 1970s, Almont and Imlay Township building inspector, member of the 9-1- 1 Committee, Lapeer County EMS Committee, National Volunteer Fire Council and as President of the Michigan Fire Chief's Association just to name a few. Again, I cannot stress enough how great of a loss this is for not only Almont but both Lapeer County and Michigan. Chief Wilcox was an innovative leader and faced any challenge head on. I can remember recently visiting the station and meeting with him and fellow firefighters about a year and a half ago to present a FEMA grant. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to help the community. He always sought to improve the departments' services and resources for the residents he so proudly served. He was a tireless advocate for the volunteer fire service and took his message and mission to the national level. He raised the bar and set high standards which all future chiefs and firefighters will now need to live up to. I am extremely grateful to have known Chief Wilcox and for the chance to have called him a friend. Chief Wilcox had announced his intention to retire this spring but unfortunately wasn't afforded that opportunity. Without question, he will be greatly missed but rest assured certainly not forgotten. I offer my sincere gratitude and thanks for his lifetime of dedicated work and service. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who knew Chief Wilcox and may he receive eternal rest.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, yesterday we once again witnessed the greatest of American traditions, the peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected President and leader of our Nation to another. Whether in times of peace or prosperity or war and economic difficulty, this great Nation has never wavered from its commitment to democracy and to the power of the American people to choose our leaders. This model of how a free people govern themselves is truly America's greatest gift to the world. At a time of great challenges facing our Nation, our new President was met with a sense of hope and an outpouring of support from the ever optimistic American people. And whether you consider yourself a Republican or a Democrat, Barack Obama today is a President for every American. It is now time for us, in this Congress, to work together to help our new President govern through these troubled times. Throughout our Nation's history, Madam Speaker, we have proven that united we can overcome any hardship and defeat any foe. I extend best wishes to our new President and my colleagues as we work together to do our best on behalf of the American people.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this rule, but to reluctantly support the underlying legislation because it provides very important steps forward to providing a helping hand to our Nation's automotive industry. And I certainly want to thank Chairman Frank for his advocacy over the last few months on behalf of the auto industry. I also want to thank him for codifying in the legislation that the domestic auto industry is vital to our economy and national security. And providing the assistance that allows the industry to thrive in the future is in the national interest. This bill says clearly that the auto companies and their financing arms are eligible for support under the TARP. And one only needs to look at the support already given to GMAC, whose immediate move was to free up credit. This provision is absolutely vital. It also puts all of the stakeholders in the auto companies--workers, suppliers, dealers, bond holders, and others--on equal footing in making concessions to ensure the future prosperity of these companies. It does not single out workers or any other group. And this is important to bring everyone to the table equally. And on that basis, I would support this legislation, although I wish it had gone further to place similar mandates on the financial industry to those being asked of the automotive industry. Mr. Speaker, we have seen the CEOs of the auto companies dragged here to Capitol Hill and ridiculed by Members of Congress. We have not seen the same treatment of Wall Street executives receiving these funds. We have seen leaders of the auto companies asking for help being asked to work for $1 a year. We have not seen one leader on Wall Street asked to do the same. In fact, we have seen many of those executives at companies who have already received large sums under the TARP be given huge bonuses. We have seen autoworkers vilified and told they make too much money, and we have not seen the same treatment of workers in the financial industry. And we have seen car companies forced to submit to Congress viability plans as a condition of support. Financial companies have not been held to the same standard. It's been a double standard. And it is long past time that those who caused our financial problems be treated at least in an equal way by this Congress as the auto companies who are, in large measure, victims of the failure of Wall Street.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the inspiring and truly remarkable football season displayed both on and off the field by the Ubly High School Bearcats from Huron County. The Bearcats took an undefeated record of 13 wins and 0 losses in to the Division 7 State Championship at Ford Field in Detroit against perennial powerhouse Traverse City St. Francis. Although at the end of the contest St. Francis had prevailed on the scoreboard, Ubly can stand proud with their heads held high. I think former Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi said it best, ``We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time.'' The 2008 season was comprised of more than just film sessions, chalk talks and wind sprints but something beyond the parameters of just football. Sadly in early October, the entire Ubly community experienced a tremendous loss when former teammate and classmate, David Ostenski, passed away from cancer at age 17. David was diagnosed while a member of the JV team but courageously continued his support of the football team despite his ailing physical condition. Less than 2 weeks before his passing, David was recognized during a special ceremony at the homecoming game and even took pictures with the homecoming court proudly wearing his #44 black and orange jersey. This small rural town sought comfort in each other, rallied together as family and used football as a form of therapy to ease the pain of this devastating loss. To commemorate his life, each player wore David's name on his helmet and broke each huddle saying his name. Led by Head Coach Bill Sweeny, these 24 young men conveyed the true meaning of the human spirit, in what was a historic run to the school's first finals appearance, and that through tragedy you can find triumph. When you reflect upon the entire season, everyone can agree that these young men are ``real'' champions and they should be proud of all their accomplishments. They persevered when confronted with adversity and matured quickly beyond their years. They learned that life is not always fair but instead of giving up they stepped up to meet each challenge head-on and will forever have those experiences to help them grow in the future. Thank you to the 2008 Ubly Football Team for providing coaches, school officials, students, and parents with an outstanding season. I commend you all! Way to go Bearcats.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in very strong support of this rule, because we do need to act to support our domestic auto industry, and failure to act by Congress on bridge loans to our domestic auto industry will have catastrophic effects on our workers, on our economy, as well as our national security. Inaction is simply not an option. In recent years, the domestic auto industry has been undergoing significant restructuring in an effort to become more competitive with foreign automakers. More needs to be done certainly, but to suggest that nothing has been done is inaccurate and does not recognize the significant sacrifices made by workers and the tough decisions made by the Big Three. They are also changing their product mix to better reflect the current marketplace demand for more fuel efficient vehicles. It is not Toyota that offers the most models that get over 30 miles per gallon. It is General Motors. It is not Honda that makes the highest mileage SUV in the world. It is Ford with the Ford Escape. We cannot forget the domestic auto industry and what they have meant to America. In fact, during World War II, southeast Michigan was known as the ``arsenal of democracy'' because we literally had the manufacturing capability that led the world to peace by building those armaments, and we expanded freedom across the globe. Then on September 11, 2001, that horrific day when the terrorists murdered nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans, they had an additional goal, and that was to destroy our economy. At that time, while the Federal Government was properly providing bailout support to the devastated airlines, it was the domestic auto industry, led by General Motors and their Keep America Rolling Program, which kept customers in the showrooms, workers on the factory floors, and did indeed keep America rolling. The cost to our economy of failure of one or more of these companies will be stark. Experts have indicated that this would cause a cascade of bankruptcies across the economy and lead to the loss of as many as 3 million jobs. The cost of this calamity to the taxpayers would be multiple times greater than the cost of these bridge loans. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to look beyond the super-heated rhetoric here and support me in joining this rule and this vital industry.