John Moolenaar

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, over this past weekend, the Democratic Party in my home State published a graphic saying public schools do not exist to serve the parents of those students and, rightfully, there was an outcry before they took it down and disavowed what they posted. Parents absolutely have the right to know what their kids are learning, and over the past year and a half they have been fighting back against administrators and unions who have kept students out of the classroom. When public school teachers in Chicago went on strike earlier this month, the phones rang off the hook at the city's private schools as parents finally had enough and searched for classroom opportunities for their kids. Support for parental involvement in education and for school choice has risen over the past year, and my colleagues and I will soon be introducing a resolution to honor National School Choice Week that will be next week, from January 23 through January 29. Parents and students should be given every opportunity to find a classroom where the kids can attend in person, see their friends, and learn directly from a teacher.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the nearly $5 trillion spending package the Democrats have tied together. This package would massively expand the role of the Federal Government into the lives of every American, and it would significantly raise taxes on people and businesses in Michigan. There is no doubt we need to invest in roads, bridges, runways, harbors, and rural broadband, but tax increases in this package will make America less competitive. We need a tax structure that attracts businesses so that there are more jobs in America, more products are made here, and our supply chains are more secure. This $5 trillion spending package will do just the opposite. It will raise taxes, make our country less competitive, and increase the overall cost of living and doing business in America. These costs will be passed on to all of us, increasing inflation and hurting families and seniors across the country. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the Class of 2021 graduates from the United States Military Academy at West Point and twenty-seven exemplary graduates from the state of Michigan. From Plebes to Firsties, and now Second Lieutenants in the United States Army, the Class of 2021 has come through one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives to join ``The Long Gray Line.'' I commend the graduates for their dedication to support and defend the American Constitution and uphold the ethical standards of the United States Army and United States of America. While their career of professional excellence and service to our Nation has just begun, I am confident these new officers embody the values of ``Duty, Honor, Country'' and will be steadfast leaders Until the Battle Is Won. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Olivia Bennett, Tully Boylan, Zachary Calderone, Gurjiwan Chahal, Charles Debczak, Scott Donnellon, Luke Ensing, Ben Fernquist, Connor Fischer, Ananth Ghosh, Marta Grivins, Paul Harrington, Emma Lawson, Julien Levesque, Curtis Manore, Connor McQueen, AnnMarie Moolenaar, Dylan Moser, Shreyans Munot, Isabel Olds, Gavin Poulin, Joseph Price, Jessica Reimchen, Sarah Richardson, David Rose, Gerrrit Rummel, and Nathan Schubring; the United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2021 graduates from Michigan. I am positive the Class of 2021 will excel in their future endeavors, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes as they begin their service to our Nation.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I support the legislation finishing the appropriations process for 2021 because it funds important priorities for Michigan families. It includes funding for the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, rural broadband internet access, and NIH research into cures for cancer and Alzheimer's. Of course, there is more work to do. Many communities have been affected by disasters this year, including my district, where two dams failed and communities were flooded. Congress should do more to help all communities affected by natural disasters this year, and I will be doing everything I can to help those in my district apply to receive Federal assistance. I am glad we have this bill done for the American people, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to craft bipartisan legislation again in the new year.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Indiana's concerns about the process, and I share those concerns as well. But as it goes, we are voting on this today. By passing this short-term continuing resolution, we will provide critical support for farmers and ranchers, extend the nutrition program that has been a lifeline during this pandemic for low-income students who are out of school, ensure critical military operations continue, support vital transportation programs by extending the FAST Act, extend the National Flood Insurance Program, ensure that there are no delays in the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic health records system, and allow agencies experiencing operational challenges during the pandemic continued funding. So, I think it is important that we support this legislation and move forward, and hopefully, we will get to a better agreement as we continue negotiations. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates of the United States Military Academy from the state of Michigan. Brilliant and talented young Americans from across the country spend four years studying and serving at West Point, our nation's oldest military academy. Each one undergoes rigorous training and testing, preparing to serve our country and its mission around the world. This challenging experience culminates with graduation and commissioning, after which these exceptional individuals go on to serve our country proudly. The class of 2020 has impressively faced the additional challenges of these unprecedented times and I am proud to say that all the cadets from Michigan have graduated and are officially commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. As a West Point parent, myself, I hope that the values of Duty, Honor, and Country that have been instilled in them follow them throughout their careers in the Army and in their future endeavors. I want to wish a strong congratulations to: Nicholas Bennett-Carpenter, Grace C. Beverage, Bayleigh L. Gable, Noah M. Hanau, Nathan P. Hein, Hannah E. Homsy, Connor M. Ingleson, Adam P. Kopp, Jacob D. Lemelin, Ian D. Mackinnon, Gavin P. McAuliffe, Ashleigh P. McCabe, Bryce A. Meylan, Damaria A. Morton, Wynter C. Nickless. Scott J. Nieboer, James A. Niemeyer, Riley D. Page, Tyler T. Picardat, Ross R. Reason, Lindsey M. Reichard, Matthew J. Robinson, Ryan A. Rocca, Michael S. Shin, Patrick D. Sutherland, James E. Tweedie, Benjamin C. Vollbach, Benedict G. Watson, Benjamin W. Whitlow, Benjamin Q. Xu, Amy T. Ziccarello. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants from our state and extend my deepest appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment lo Michigan and the United States of America.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the first responders, emergency officials, and the people of mid-Michigan for their swift action, heroic work, and incredible compassion in responding to the flooding in our region last week. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, historic rain, and the failure of two dams, they quickly and safely evacuated more than 11,000 people without a single death or injury and provided shelter for those who were displaced. I have been on the ground meeting with residents who have been affected, especially in Sanford, which took the hardest hit from this heartbreaking event. Residents have lost businesses, homes, and cherished family possessions. In the face of these challenges, our community is coming together. We are grateful for the overwhelming support that has come from across the State and from nonprofits and businesses. My colleagues here in Congress have also reached out to me, and I appreciate their kind words and offers of assistance. Madam Speaker, today, I say thank you to everyone in mid-Michigan and across the country for their support during this challenging time.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Armstead Family to commemorate their service and contributions to Michigan and the United States of America. As residents of Michigan, Peter Armstead, Earl Armstead, and Robert Armstead all answered the call to serve and stood ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their strength and courage will be marked by their burial in the Great Lakes National Cemetery, resting peacefully side-by-side. Their family has paid a great tribute to this country and they will be commemorated with this esteemed and well- deserved honor. With a long family history dating back to the 1800s, Peter, Earl and Robert represent three generations of Armstead Family patriotism and dedication to serving on the front lines with the United States Military. Having served in three significant wars in American history-- Peter as a Civil War Veteran, Earl as a World War I Veteran, and Robert Armstead as a World War II Veteran--the Armsteads have displayed enduring selflessness and tremendous sacrifice. This exemplary service and unprecedented legacy has earned the Armstead family the esteemed honor of having Peter, Earl, and Robert buried with full military honors. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize the Armstead Family and extend my highest appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment to Michigan and the United States of America.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I thank Chair Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for this opportunity to speak today on this appropriations legislation. The bill before us right now provides crucial funding for our Nation's military, giving our soldiers their biggest pay raise in a decade and providing resources they need to win on the battlefield. It is a strong complement to the next bill coming up today, where we will fund the Army Corps of Engineers and pass through Congress historic progress at the Soo Locks, funding the construction of a new lock that will be vital to shipping on the Great Lakes and for American manufacturing. American manufacturing is responsible for millions of jobs, and this legislation also supports hardworking men and women across our Nation with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Constituents across my district have told me how this program does crucial work to support the production of Michigan-made goods. Another issue I know my constituents are concerned about is the opioid crisis and the threat of fentanyl to our communities. This legislation funds efforts at our Nation's borders, where officials have already stopped thousands of pounds of fentanyl and heroin from entering our country. The opioid epidemic requires a robust effort from all levels of government, as well as law enforcement and medical professionals. The next bill also helps in this fight, with record funding for the NIH, which will support research into nonaddictive treatments for pain, as well as the fight against cancer and Alzheimer's. Finally, this bill funds Great Lakes monitoring at NOAA in the Commerce Department, which, along with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, does outstanding work to protect our Great Lakes. The GLRI works with State and local government, conservation groups and research universities, including Central Michigan University in my district. This year, the GLRI is receiving $320 million in the legislation that is coming up next, and I know it will help protect the Great Lakes for future generations. I am grateful for the support for many of these priorities from our colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee, including leadership on both sides and, particularly, for my friend from Ohio, Marcy Kaptur, who visited the Soo Locks with me and officials from the Army Corps this summer.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Dan Lipinski for his leadership on this legislation. As always, I have enjoyed working with him and serving with him as the founding co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Chemistry Caucus here in the House. Chemistry has improved the daily lives of every American, and I want to thank Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas for their leadership working together to bring the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 to the floor this year. This legislation will further the incredible progress chemistry has already made in the daily lives of people around the world, with new and exciting products and lifesaving cures and innovations. Chemistry also employs hundreds of thousands of people in good-paying jobs and has made the country the world leader in an endless list of industries and fields. Today's legislation will help that progress continue by directing the Federal Government to improve its coordination of sustainable chemistry research. The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 will bring together the Federal Government, the private sector, and the scientific community to support groundbreaking research in chemistry and keep our Nation at the forefront of innovation. I thank my colleagues for their support.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, the impeachment inquiry underway in the House has been shrouded in secret meetings and out of view from the American people. My constituents have told me that they oppose this investigation and they believe the House should be taking up legislation that needs to be done to help hardworking Michigan residents. First and foremost, the House should pass the United States-Mexico- Canada Trade Agreement without delay. This agreement will benefit hardworking Michigan residents, especially in industries vital to our State, including manufacturing and agriculture. They will have new markets for their products, and the profits they make will come back to our communities in mid and northern Michigan. I have also been a strong advocate for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and for funding the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks. Yet these priorities are now funded under a temporary stopgap, and after weeks of delays caused by Senate Democrats who want to renegotiate, we now face the prospect of an impeachment trial that will bog down activity in the Senate even further in the future.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Dr. Russell Kirk, a political theorist, moralist, historian, and literary critic, in honor of the historical marker being placed at his beloved home and library in Mecosta, Michigan next month. As a resident of Mecosta County and a Michigan native, Dr. Kirk led numerous seminars on political theory, culture and virtue while teaching fellows and students for over 40 years, a tradition that his gracious wife, Annette Kirk, still values and honors today through the Russell Kirk Center. Since his passing in 1994, his home has become an educational destination for continued interest in his work by students and scholars alike. As the author of thirty-two books covering topics from political theory to cultural criticism, Dr. Kirk is considered one of the preeminent thinkers of his time. His first published book in 1953, The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot, is one of the most widely reviewed and discussed studies of political ideals in America. Along with his subsequent writings on the topic, Dr. Kirk shaped the modern ideas of American conservatism. As an elite scholar, Dr. Kirk shared his brilliance through his prodigious literary works and received one of our nation's highest honors when President Ronald Reagan conferred the Presidential Citizens Medal upon him in 1989. Dr. Kirk found his true joy in addressing college audiences because he believed the key to the lasting success of conservative ideas rested on shaping the cultural and moral beliefs of the next generation. In his books, articles, speeches, and interviews, Dr. Kirk shaped the thinking of generations of conservatives around the world. His ideas have personally helped me in forming my own beliefs and it is a privilege to pay special tribute to Dr. Kirk and his legacy today. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored to recognize Dr. Russell Kirk's illustrious career and extend my appreciation for his hard work and dedication. The historical marker in front of his cherished home in Mecosta will help ensure his ideas live on for future generations.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, independent workers are vital to our country and the strong economy that we are enjoying today, with unemployment under 4 percent, wages rising, and Americans keeping more of their own money, thanks to tax reform. These millions of workers are pursuing the American Dream of working for themselves, including contractors, consultants, freelancers, and small business owners. They embody the principles and values of our country's Declaration of Independence by truly representing what it means to be free. They are found across every profession, income level, industry, party, race, religion, gender, and geography. That is why I am joining with the Association of Independent Workers in calling for August 16 to be National Independent Worker Day. This special recognition of independent workers' vital role in our Nation's economy is long overdue. As more and more Americans choose to take this career path, I will keep fighting to make sure Washington stays out of their way and allows them to innovate and succeed. I am proud to support all the independent workers in my district and throughout this great Nation. Honoring Conservative Writer Russell Kirk

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Dr. Russell Kirk, a political theorist, moralist, historian, and literary critic, in honor of a historical marker being placed at his beloved home in Mecosta in my district in Michigan next month. For over 40 years, Dr. Kirk taught students about political theory, culture, and virtue. He also wrote more than 30 books. Today, his legacy lives on through the Russell Kirk Center under the gracious leadership of his wife, Annette. Dr. Kirk is considered one of the preeminent thinkers of his time. His first book, ``The Conservative Mind,'' has shaped the modern ideas of American conservatism. Dr. Kirk found his true joy in addressing college audiences because he believed the key to the lasting success of conservative ideas rested on shaping the cultural and moral beliefs of the next generation. In his books, articles, speeches, and interviews, Dr. Kirk's wisdom has shaped the thinking of generations of conservatives around the world. His ideas have personally helped me in forming my own beliefs, and it is a privilege to pay special tribute to Dr. Kirk and his legacy today.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Catherine Reynolds for her superior leadership and service to the people of Michigan during a trailblazing 40-year career at CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy Company. Cathy, who will retire this month, joined the company in 1979 during an era of unique challenges for women in the corporate world. She started as a proofreader in the ``steno pool'' where all the typing in the company was conducted. In 1983, she earned her law degree at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and transferred to the company's legal department. There, she worked in a variety of areas, including 10 years in litigation before focusing on marketing, electronic commerce and corporate issues. Cathy was appointed assistant general counsel over the general practice group of the legal department in 2004 and handled issues including contracts, property, environmental, marketing, human resources, labor, benefits, property tax and insurance matters. In 2006, she became the company's first female corporate secretary. And in 2013, Cathy was named the company's first female senior vice president--serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. She served as a director on the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Jackson County, Michigan and American Bar associations. Cathy has handled each of her roles with professionalism, integrity and grace. She set an extraordinary example at the company, serving as a calm, insightful influence on the many co-workers she mentored throughout her career. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I send my congratulations on Cathy's well-deserved retirement and many thanks for 40 years of inspiring and empowering generations of women to excel.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, the Appropriations Committee has now passed legislation with $75.3 million in funding for the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks. This is the first time in decades the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks is being funded in legislation. I have been pushing for this funding with my work on the Appropriations Committee, and I am grateful for the support of our colleagues. Right now, the lock is 50 years old, and it has survived harsh winters through extraordinary maintenance. However, if it were to fail for an extended period, it would create a cascading problem for the economy and national security, because iron ore that goes through the locks would have no way to get from Lake Superior to factories across the country. Also, this is an issue that Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump all agree on. When President Trump came to Michigan last year, I was joined by Congressman Bergman and Congressman Mitchell. We told the President about the Soo Locks, and he pledged his support. That was backed up in March when the Army Corps of Engineers requested $75.3 million in its budget for next year. I appreciate and want to thank President Trump for his leadership on this. That request is funded in legislation now, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep this construction moving forward in the years to come.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the members of the Michigan delegation and the House of Representatives for their support and unanimous passage of my legislation earlier this month to rename the Beaverton Post Office in honor of the late Colonel Alfred Asch. Alfred was born and raised in Beaverton, and, as a young boy, he was fascinated by aviation. In September of 1941, after graduating high school, he entered the Army Corps. He flew more than 70 missions over north Africa and Europe, earning numerous decorations, while documenting his experiences in letters to Naomi, his girlfriend and wife-to-be. He continued to serve in the Air Force until 1968, and he made contributions to military and civilian flight. His work took him away from Michigan, but he always kept his hometown in his heart. He funded a scholarship at Central Michigan University for students from Gladwin County, and proceeds from his memoir helped fund the Beaverton Activity Center. I am proud to have the support of Colonel Asch's family and his two sons, David and Peter, who have said their father's childhood in Beaverton helped him face life's early challenges before taking on the world. Alfred Asch was a great American and a hometown hero for Beaverton, Michigan.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Sugrue as the Commander and District Engineer of the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and receiving his commission in 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue has exemplified the Mission and Vision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue's extensive career has taken him across the United States and around the world. From New York to Germany, to deployments in Kosovo and Afghanistan, where he did two tours, his dedication and leadership has been an asset in every position. Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue has been recognized with numerous military awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, among others. These well-deserved accolades speak to Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue's leadership and commitment to service, which are amplified by his honor and integrity. I had the pleasure of getting to know Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue during his tenure as commander of the Detroit District, which he assumed in July 2016. As the commander, he is responsible for carrying out the District's mission in Michigan, sections of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Indiana, as well as four of the Great Lakes. The District's 82,000 square miles of land includes 4,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and the Soo Locks, which are vitally important to the nation's economy and security. Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue went above and beyond to understand the importance of natural resources and outdoor heritage to the state of Michigan and surrounding region. I especially commend his hard work to advance the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes navigation system, including combatting the spread of invasive species and construction of a new Soo Lock. His expertise is second to none and we have been fortunate to have Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue at the helm of the Detroit District. It has been an honor and a privilege to know Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue over the past two years. I wish him, his wife Flori and sons Sean and Connor, all the best in the future.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Van Deventer, the President and CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, upon his retirement. During his more than fifteen years with the Saginaw County Chamber, Bob has been a recognized community leader and a leading advocate for enhancing the Great Lakes Bay Region. In fact, numerous non-profit organizations have recruited Bob to serve as an advisor and have sought his expertise; Bob has served on the Great Lakes Bay Regional Branding and Communications Council, Saginaw County Business and Education Partnership, the Great Lakes Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, Saginaw Future, Inc., the SVSU College of Business and Management Advisory Board and the CMU Alumni Advisory Board of Directors just to list a few. Bob also served as President and member of the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance. Under his leadership, Bob increased communication and joint ventures amongst Bay, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties. At a time when the City of Saginaw was about to close the doors on the Saginaw Civic Center, Bob along with the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, led a successful campaign to restore and upgrade the building into what is now the Dow Event Center. This advancement set in motion the campaign to redevelop the deteriorating downtown Saginaw. Bob and the Alliance have been able to enhance our local communities by drawing tourism to the Great Lakes Bay Region. Throughout Bob's illustrious career with the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, he truly embodied its mission and vision. From supporting the success of local businesses to building healthy organizations and community through his volunteerism, Bob has dedicated his efforts to revitalizing Saginaw County and creating an exceptional place to live and work. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Robert Van Deventer upon his retirement from the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and extend my appreciation for his commitment to Saginaw and the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank Chairman Brady of the House Committee on Ways and Means for his leadership of the committee, and also Mr. Roskam and Mr. Thompson for their support here on the floor today. I also want to thank Congressman Raul Ruiz for cosponsoring this legislation and making it bipartisan. This legislation before us today, H.R. 1476, will improve access to health savings accounts for Native Americans who choose to receive care at Indian Health Service facilities by ending an unnecessary penalty against them. Mr. Speaker, if you or I were to use a health savings account, we would be able to immediately make a contribution to it the day after you receive care at a doctor's office. There is no prohibition on making those contributions. However, right now, Native Americans across the country, including my constituents, cannot do the same thing if they receive treatment from a doctor at the Indian Health Service. Instead, they are prohibited from immediately saving the money they earned and must wait for 3 months before they can make another contribution into the personal account they use to provide for their health and that of their family. This makes no sense. Instead, this commonsense legislation eliminates the problem. If this bill becomes law, Native Americans will no longer have to wait 3 months. They will be able to receive treatment from Indian Health Service doctors near them and save money in their HSAs whenever they want. This is a bipartisan, patient-centered solution to a government- created problem. It will benefit the Saginaw Chippewas in my district as well as Tribes throughout Michigan and across the country. It will help those who work hard to save money and take care of their families. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their support of this legislation.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 270.

Mr. MOOLENAAR

Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Andrew Liveris, the Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company, upon his retirement from the company. In his more than forty years with Dow, Mr. Liveris has been a recognized business leader and a leading advocate for manufacturing worldwide. Presidential administrations of both parties have recruited Mr. Liveris to serve as an advisor and have sought his expertise; Mr. Liveris served as co-chair of the steering committee for President Barack Obama's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership and served on President Donald Trump's Manufacturing Jobs Initiative. As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Liveris has continued The Dow Chemical Company's strong commitment to the Great Lakes Bay Region, proudly opening a new corporate headquarters in Midland. Dow's investment has helped the city grow into a vibrant community. Leading Dow's collaborations with numerous governments on advanced manufacturing plans and steering the company's investment and industry leadership around the world, Mr. Liveris has exhibited exemplary management at the helm of Dow. Under his leadership, the company weathered challenging economic times and completed a historic, transformational merger, moving the company forward for years to come. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Andrew Liveris upon his retirement from The Dow Chemical Company and extend my appreciation for his commitment to Midland and the Great Lakes Bay Region.