John Moolenaar

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, rise today to pay tribute to Xavier Staubs, a freshman at Corunna High School, for his heroic actions in saving a rival swimmer from drowning during a swim meet. Xavier showed bravery and courage in helping to save the life of another. Xavier is a freshman at Corunna High School and on Thursday, January 4, his quick and decisive action saved the life of a competing student. After completing the last leg of the 200-yard medley relay against rival Owosso High School he noticed panicked spectators pointing to Kamrin Samson, a junior at Owosso High School, who was sinking to the bottom of the pool. Xavier jumped back into the pool, swam down, and brought Kamrin back to the surface to receive the medical attention he needed. Once Kamrin was out of the water, medical personnel and coaching staff from both high schools performed the necessary treatment to resuscitate him. For such a young individual, Xavier did not waver in a crucial moment. He was fearless and courageous at a time of life or death for a fellow swimmer. To Xavier, all that mattered was doing the right thing. Actions such as these should serve as a guideline for how we should live our own lives: selflessness in service to others. Xavier's heroic actions on January 4 will be remembered by those in attendance for years to come, and they are a defining moment in his young life. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Xavier Staubs for his heroic and selfless actions.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Paul Oreffice, the former Chairman of the Board of The Dow Chemical Company, upon his 90th birthday. Paul was born in Venice, Italy and came to the United States with his family when he was 17 years old. He went on to attend Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1949. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, Paul began his career at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan. Following international assignments in Switzerland, Italy, Brazil and Spain, Paul became the first president of Dow Chemical Latin America in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1970. In 1971, he was elected as a member of the Board of Directors, and later as president of Dow Chemical U.S.A. in August 1975. Paul was named president and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company in May 1978 and chairman in May 1986. As a humanitarian, Paul received the Encomienda del Merito Civil (Order of Civil Merit) in 1966 from the government of Spain and in 1978 he was honored with the title ``Grand Ufficiale'' by the Italian government. Paul is the first person to receive both the Societe de Chimie Industrielle's Palladium medal and SCI America's Chemical Industry medal, which he received in 1981 and 1983, respectively. Paul has been especially helpful in giving back to Michigan's Fourth Congressional District through his intentional engagement of the community. His involvement in bringing the Midland Soccer Club and the Greater Midland Tennis Center to life has not only provided opportunities for the local youth to come together to be active within the community, but also brings tourism to the area through tournaments and other events. Paul's involvement in philanthropy touches not only the Midland community, but reaches across the country as he is a Trustee of the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, served as a Senior Member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Visitors Board, and he served as Chairman of the Board of the Parkinson's Foundation from 2003 to 2007. His strategic thinking and continued contributions have greatly impacted families across the district and the country. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Paul Oreffice for his lifetime of work in chemical engineering and for his commitment to the Midland Community.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to thank all of the Members who voted to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In the appropriations legislation the House passed 2 weeks ago, we included $300 million in the fiscal year 2018 budget for protecting our Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are a critical resource and an essential part of Michigan's outdoor heritage. They are enjoyed by millions of Americans from across the country, and they are a unique ecosystem with one-fifth of the world's freshwater. They are also a major trade route and they form an international border. There is a Federal role for protecting the Great Lakes, and by working with public and private organizations like Michigan's universities and Ducks Unlimited, the GLRI does vital work to protect the Great Lakes and the streams, rivers, and wetlands that flow into them. Again, I want to thank all of my colleagues for their support of this critical program.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rich Wells, Vice President and Site Director of Michigan Operations for The Dow Chemical Company, in recognition of his service and his many contributions to the Great Lakes Bay Region as he begins the next step of his journey as the Vice President of Texas Operations. An influential member of the community, Rich originally moved to Midland to work for Dow after he graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. During his illustrious 34-year career, Rich has gone on to serve in several leadership roles within The Dow Chemical Company. Before his selection as the Vice President and Site Director of Michigan Operations, Rich served as the Vice President for Global Government Affairs and Public Policy. During his tenure as Vice President and Site Director of Michigan Operations, Rich has benefitted the community in a variety of ways. He founded the Fast Start program, which has equipped in demand employees with the skills they need to be successful. He also has volunteered and advocated for local organizations serving those in need, chairing Midland County's United Way Campaign in 2016. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Rich Wells for his service to The Dow Chemical Company and his contributions to the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, tax reform is a key concern for small- business owners and hardworking residents in my district. My predecessor, former Ways and Means chairman, Dave Camp, worked diligently on this issue in hopes of reforming our Nation's burdensome Tax Code. Today, the Ways and Means Committee took up this work again because our Tax Code needs to be simpler, fairer, and flatter for Michigan families. Tax reform done right will benefit Michigan residents of all income levels by making it easier for them to calculate and file their tax returns while lowering their tax burden. The first bill I introduced as Michigan's Fourth District Representative was legislation that would make it easier for Michigan families to pay for child care. It is my hope that this will become part of this tax reform package. Our Tax Code was last updated in 1986. It is time for a change. I hope this Congress will pass tax reform for the 21st century.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I also thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for supporting this bipartisan resolution and moving it through the Foreign Affairs Committee. I especially want to thank Congresswoman Torres for her leadership as a true champion on this issue and helping us all understand the importance of this. This resolution makes it clear that the United States strongly supports the anticorruption efforts in the Northern Triangle of Central America. Already, officials across the region are making headway. The attorney general of Guatemala, in particular, has made progress in taking on corruption at the highest levels of government. This resolution will reinforce support for these efforts in the region and will send a clear message to the millions of people who live in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras that the United States wants them to have a safe country, free of corrupt officials who steal from them. By supporting the efforts of our allies to fight corruption, it is my hope that these governments will continue to promote respect for the rule of law, thereby making it better for residents to live, work, and raise a family in their homelands.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cole, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and the entire Committee on Appropriations, as well as the President and congressional leaders in both the House and the Senate for their work on this bipartisan appropriations bill. This legislation is not perfect, but it addresses many priorities for the people of Michigan and the United States. It funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which protects the Great Lakes. It instructs the Army Corps of Engineers to turn over its report on stopping Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. It funds important scientific research at Michigan State University, and it continues support for vaccines against emerging threats. It also commits funding for cures research at the National Institutes of Health, including the fight against Alzheimer's, so we can work on stopping this nefarious disease that steals golden years from our seniors. For the rural communities in my district, this legislation increases funding for rural development grants and the Farm Service Agency. This legislation promotes border security and integrity, providing more money for Customs and Border Patrol and increasing the number of Border Patrol agents hired. This legislation will ensure that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep us safe from threats, including North Korea, Russia, Iran, and ISIS. This legislation makes important cuts, including eliminating wasteful funding for U.N. programs that overreach and run counter to the ideals of our country. Finally, this legislation extends prohibitions on funding for abortion that have been in place for years. This legislation addresses many important priorities for the people of Michigan and our entire Nation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, today another farm convoy left Michigan and headed south to help those suffering in America's heartland, where wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres in four States. This convoy, and those like it in days gone by and the days to come, is the work of the amazing farming community in my district and across the State of Michigan. They have donated trucks, trailers, and time to drive supplies to the affected areas. They have donated food and fencing to help farmers recover and rebuild. They have donated care packages with candy and cards to care for the hurting souls. Many volunteers are staying and helping in the devastated communities. In fact, tomorrow, two young men from Ogemaw County, Brady and Keaton, are scheduled to travel with 4-H kids from Michigan's Thumb area to volunteer their skills and help build fencing in Kansas. The overwhelmingly and generous efforts of the Michigan farming community, in response to this tragedy, represent the best of America. I pray for God's blessing on all those involved as they help with this crisis.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jack Telfer, the Editor of the Midland Daily News, upon his retirement. Jack was born and raised in Port Huron where he attended St. Clair County Community College and earned his Associates degree. He went on to attend Central Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelors in Journalism in 1978. After finishing school, Jack began his career in journalism as a court and police beat reporter for the Daily Tribune. Jack went on to become the Editor of the Huron Daily Tribune in 1983. His leadership was exceptional and he earned the Hearst Eagle Award, which is the company's highest award for excellence. In 1991, he moved to Midland to become the Editor of the Midland Daily News, another Hearst Publication. In his 25 years at the Midland Daily News, he has been a cornerstone of the paper's success and helped lead it to the 2016 Michigan Press Association Newspaper of the Year award. Outside of work, Jack's wife Jeanne, daughter Renee and son John Telfer III along with their spouses and his grandchildren have been the biggest part of his life. Jack looks forward to spending more time with them and further imparting his legacy of faith and love of hockey. Jack has been especially helpful in giving back to Michigan's Fourth District. He has had strong involvement with the United Way of Midland, volunteering and serving on the board. His strategic thinking has helped the organization and our community. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Jack Telfer for his lifetime of work in media and for his commitment to the Midland Community.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Roy Johnston, the Head Coach of Beaverton High School and the winningest boys basketball coach in Michigan high school history with 729 wins and counting. Born in his grandparents' farmhouse near the Lake Huron shores, Roy Johnston never forgot his Michigan roots as he moved up the ranks to the title he holds today. Roy was raised in the Croswell-Lexington area of Michigan and received honorable mention All-State as a guard at his high school. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in teaching, Roy's passion for guiding youth through education and athletics continued. He went on to become the basketball coach at Yale in 1966 before moving to Howell, where he spent two years honing his skills. When starting his career in Beaverton, Roy became a 5th Grade teacher and spent four seasons as the Junior Varsity Coach. After stepping into the Varsity role, the Beaverton Beavers secured their first district title in two decades and went on to become regional champions. With his record of success and passion for students, Roy set a new example of success in the community. Roy has been especially vital to Michigan's Fourth District, helping many see how comradery and teamwork play a vital role in rallying a community together for a common cause. Now, with a record league winning streak, the Beaverton Beavers are riding high on theft accomplishments. It's only fitting for Roy to hold this title after his induction into the Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame nearly two decades ago. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Roy Johnston for his achievement in becoming the winningest boys basketball coach in Michigan high school history and his lifetime commitment to the people of Beaverton.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jon Lynch, the Midland City Manager, for his sixteen-plus years of service to the city of Midland as he takes on a new role as President of the Three Rivers Corporation. Beginning his work with the city in 2000, it was not long before Mr. Lynch rose up the ranks becoming the city's chief executive six years later. His work in Midland is most notable with the creation of the Citizen's Academy, which established a medium for residents to learn more about their government. Mr. Lynch also was at the helm during a tumultuous state level tax appeal process where Midland was able to continue city services facing a cut in their general fund. Mr. Lynch's ability to preserve Midland's service abilities with challenging budgets and nominal millage increases year after year is a true demonstration of his capability and talent. Mr. Lynch's administrative knowledge and strong skill set, as well as his long and successful history, proves his ability. His work in the community, creating and facilitating an open dialogue will only continue with the Three Rivers Corporation. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Jon Lynch for his illustrious career and involvement in the Midland community that has positively influenced the careers and lives of countless individuals.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, today, I, along with Representative Bishop pay tribute to Tori Jankoska, the all-time scoring leader for Michigan State University Women's Basketball. Tori was born and raised in Freeland, where she grew up with a passion for competition. As a young girl, Tori was unable to compete with her peers. She grew up with asthma and other illnesses that kept her from playing with the other kids. Through her own perseverance, she was able to play with her siblings and her passion for sports started to grow. As a student at Freeland High School, Tori raised the bar for her own team and her competitors. It wasn't long before her talent was noticed by the coaches at MSU. When starting her basketball career at MSU, Tori knew that was where she wanted to be. She also knew that she had a chance to do something great. Regarded by her coaches as having the highest basketball IQ on the court, Tori has proven her acumen time and again. Now, as the all- time point leader for MSU, she has written her own legacy into the record book as one of the best college women's basketball players of all time. Tori has overcome obstacles and excelled at the highest level of competition. On behalf of the Fourth & Eighth Congressional Districts of Michigan, we are honored today to recognize Tori Jankoska for her lifetime of work on and off the court and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, today, I, along with Representative Bishop pay tribute to Tori Jankoska, the all-time scoring leader for Michigan State University Women's Basketball. Tori was born and raised in Freeland, where she grew up with a passion for competition. As a young girl, Tori was unable to compete with her peers. She grew up with asthma and other illnesses that kept her from playing with the other kids. Through her own perseverance, she was able to play with her siblings and her passion for sports started to grow. As a student at Freeland High School, Tori raised the bar for her own team and her competitors. It wasn't long before her talent was noticed by the coaches at MSU. When starting her basketball career at MSU, Tori knew that was where she wanted to be. She also knew that she had a chance to do something great. Regarded by her coaches as having the highest basketball IQ on the court, Tori has proven her acumen time and again. Now, as the all- time point leader for MSU, she has written her own legacy into the record book as one of the best college women's basket players of all time. Tori has overcome obstacles and excelled at the highest level of competition. On behalf of the Fourth & Eighth Congressional Districts of Michigan, we are honored today to recognize Tori Jankoska for her lifetime of work on and off the court and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bruce Winslow, the Director of the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, upon his retirement. Bruce was born and raised in Midland and has kept his heart in his hometown. After graduating from CMU he went on to attend the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he honed his skills as an artist. After graduating in 1988, he found employment at the Midland Art Council, which later became the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art. When starting his career he was the Coordinator of Public Relations for nine years, became the Curatorial Director and quickly after that the Director of the Museum. Since he took the helm in 1997, Bruce has taken the museum in many rewarding directions that have brought interest back into museum from unconventional museum goers. He has helped many see how science and art play a vital role in everyone lives. Now, during his final days as director, the museum is holding a new exhibit just for him, ``35 Years: The Bruce Winslow Retrospective.'' It is to celebrate his life in the arts, his family and his career. Bruce has been especially helpful to Michigan's Fourth District, ensuring its participation in the Annual Congressional Art Competition for many years. During that time, not only has Bruce built an exhibit to showcase the artists' work from throughout the district, but he has also served as an integral member of the Art Competition Committee as a judge, helping select the piece to be displayed in the United States Capitol building. He also has given of his time and talents to help coordinate a special ceremony to honor all of the participants. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Bruce Winslow for his lifetime of work in the arts and for his commitment to the people of Midland.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, today, the House voted to end taxpayer support for abortion. A majority of Americans believe abortion is wrong, and they do not wish to see their tax dollars pay for this gruesome procedure that ends the life of another human being. This legislation permanently puts into law a longstanding policy that has been renewed by Congress every year. It will reassure Americans that the hard-earned money they pay to the government will never be used to fund abortions. This is necessary because the Affordable Care Act, a law that has been unaffordable for so many Americans, actually paid subsidies for healthcare plans that include abortion. This is unacceptable. A child in a mother's womb is a blessing. Americans expect their tax dollars will never be used to pay to end the life of an innocent child. Today's legislation will protect taxpayers and, most importantly, our society's most vulnerable--the unborn.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the nomination of Betsy DeVos, of my home State of Michigan, to be the next Secretary of Education. She shares our belief that all children should have the opportunity to learn in a world-class environment and that they, along with their parents, should be able to choose the schools that are best for them. In Michigan, she has improved learning opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds all across the State. She knows that local control plays a key role in an educator's ability to tailor lesson plans that best provide the education for our students. For decades, Betsy DeVos has worked tirelessly on education issues, and she has been a champion for parents and students. As a parent of six children who have attended public schools, I am confident that she will do an outstanding job as our next Secretary of Education.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. ``. . . or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.''

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Tom McIntyre, upon his retirement as the Director of Saginaw County 911 and for his many contributions to the Saginaw community. Originally aspiring to be a teacher, Mr. McIntyre first began his work in law enforcement as a school liaison police officer in the village of Chesaning. From there Mr. McIntyre worked at the Saginaw Sheriff's Department holding a variety of positions including working in the juvenile division, serving as sergeant in charge of the marine division, jail administrator and directing the road patrol. In 1993 he was elected by the community to serve as sheriff, holding this position until 1998. Mr. McIntyre has since spent the last 18 years in his current position, as Director of Saginaw County 911. Those in the community still know him as the sheriff. With a total of almost 50 years of service, Mr. McIntyre has demonstrated a devotion to the public safety of Saginaw County. Through his illustrious career at the Saginaw Sheriff's Department, Saginaw County 911, and as a community leader, Mr. McIntyre has positively influenced the lives of the countless community members he has selflessly served. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to extend my gratitude to Tom McIntyre for his many years of hard work and service to Saginaw County, and wish him a happy and healthful retirement.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Charles Markey, the President of the Arnold Center, upon his retirement on December 31, 2016. Mr. Markey has made many contributions to Midland and the great state of Michigan. Mr. Markey attended Central Michigan University, where he excelled as a member of the football team. After graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Mr. Markey joined IBM. From 1974 to 2004 he held several different titles and went on to become the Vice President of Solution Sales before becoming a partner at IM1 Capital Group, LLC. During this time he was inducted into the CMU Football Hall of Fame. In 2009, Mr. Markey became the president of the Arnold Center. The Center has since become a large employer in Midland and has aided in giving back to the community in a multitude of ways. Most importantly, it has enhanced the quality of life for those with disabilities and donates thousands of hours of community service. During his tenure, Mr. Markey has held fast to the mission and vision of the Arnold Center and has helped countless individuals who have sought his guidance. I have seen firsthand the dedication and service Mr. Markey has given to our community. I thank him and wish him luck as he begins this new chapter of his life. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Charles Markey for his dedication to the Midland community.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bill Tencza, upon his retirement as the President of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce. Bill became the President of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce in 2000. Over the years Mr. Tencza has been a champion in furthering industry and education in Cadillac. He has played a vital role in the formation of the Business Expo and the LEAD meetings, along with fostering relationships between those in business and education. Mr. Tencza remains very active in the community and has served as a judge for the Congressional App Challenge from our district. He also works with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, Cadillac Industrial Fund and the Cadillac Area Industrial Group. After 16 years as the President of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Bill has left a legacy of hard work and dedication to the community of Cadillac. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to extend my gratitude to Bill Tencza for his many years of hard work and service in the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, and wish him a happy and healthful retirement.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton).

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. First, I also want to congratulate and express my appreciation to my colleague, friend, and neighbor from Flint, Mr. Kildee, for his work on this and for his advocacy of his hometown. I wanted to say, Mr. Chairman, the crisis in Flint was caused by failures of government at all levels. The Federal Government played a significant role in causing this crisis, and Congress has held multiple hearings to investigate. Members on both sides of the aisle have found fault with the Federal Government's actions in Flint. Today, the House has the opportunity to acknowledge those failures and do right by the people of Flint. While the Federal Government failed, the pipes in Flint were damaged beyond repair and residents were poisoned with lead. That is why fixing the water infrastructure in Flint is a proper role for the Federal Government and a step forward for the city and its residents. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, just in closing, I want to compliment everyone who has been involved in this bipartisan solution. It is an example of Congress working together to solve a problem. This is something that those of us--and many of us have traveled to Flint--have listened to the stories of the families of children who have been poisoned. It is a tragedy on the national level. Presidential candidates have been there. This is something concrete that Congress can do to move the ball forward and help Flint with its healing and making a huge difference in the lives of residents in Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.