Erik Paulsen

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Orono girls basketball team for recently winning the Minnesota High School State Championship. After falling short of high expectations to win it all last year, the Spartans bounced back this season with an impressive 27-4 record and the top seed, despite many thinking that they had missed their window. That didn't stop these girls though. They were determined to finish the job this season as they stormed through the playoffs. Led by senior Tori Andrew, the team played selflessly. Andrew, the only returning starter from last season, made it a point to give her teammates the recognition that they deserved. The Spartans went on to beat Winona 65-47 in the State title game. Orono's resilience, Mr. Speaker, in response to the previous season, speaks highly of their character and their program led by Coach Lavesa Glover in her very first season with the team. These girls showed that they give their all in everything they do, whether it is for their team, their school, their families, or their community. Mr. Speaker, we are so proud of the Orono girls basketball team. Congratulations on the State title.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, this week, we recognized National K9 Veterans Day. It was on March 13, 1942, that the U.S. Army K9 Corps was officially formed, although dogs have had a role in our military ever since our country's founding. We not only honor military dogs, but also police dogs, customs dogs, border patrol dogs, and other working dogs that work to protect our communities. These dogs provide an incredible service to our brave men and women overseas. They are responsible for saving lives and preventing injuries, sometimes at their own expense. Many of our servicemembers form very strong bonds with these loyal companions. That is why I authored the Military Working Dog Military Retirement Act and was proud to see it pass with overwhelming bipartisan support last Congress. This new law guarantees that service dogs are returned and retired to the United States after serving overseas. Previously, military members were often forced to spend their own money to bring these animals home. Mr. Speaker, let us remember and honor these four-legged heroes. They are a valuable component of protecting Americans through their courage and their loyalty.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to offer a big congratulations to the Edina Girls hockey team for winning its very first Minnesota high school State championship. The Hornets dominated in the championship game just last weekend, winning 4-0. Senior forward Lolita Fidler led the way with an early goal in the first period, finishing with two goals. On the other end, senior goalie Anna Goldstein stood on her head throughout the tournament, allowing just one goal in three games. The girls squad finished with an impressive 28-1-1 record under head coach Sami Reber, who is a former Edina hockey player herself, bringing the title to her alma mater. Edina's run of excellence is a testament to their program's serious dedication on the ice, in the classroom, and in their community. On top of giving their all in their sport, these students also strive academically and contribute in positive ways at home and among their peers. Mr. Speaker, we are so proud of these student athletes, and it is fun to see Edina bringing their very first State high school hockey championship home. Go Hornets.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rare Disease Day to bring widespread awareness to more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting 30 million Americans. These individual diseases may be rare, but their impact isn't. On this particular occasion, I want to remember Chloe Barnes from Minnesota, who passed away at the age of 2 from metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD. Her family founded Chloe's Fight, a foundation that is dedicated to supporting research for rare diseases. There is no better person to honor and remember Chloe than her older sister, Eva, who wrote an essay in Chloe's memory. Eva writes: ``My sister died when she was 2 and this is what happened. My parents were missing a part in their body. I was fine. But my sister Chloe didn't make it. I don't like talking about it. Because it makes me very sad. I only tell a few people that she died. She was very funny. I loved her so much. Her name was Chloe. She was very brave. My mom and dad are doing a foundation called Chloe's Fight. Because every kid should have a chance to fight.'' Mr. Speaker, we should not only remember those suffering from rare diseases, but we should continue to support initiatives to find new cures and treatments on their behalf.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, we all know that human trafficking is a major problem right here in the United States. It is happening in every one of our communities. This week, as millions of Americans gather to watch the Super Bowl, I would like to shine a light on another troubling fact, and that is that there is an increase in the human trafficking and sex trafficking in the days surrounding the Super Bowl. Last year, in a few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl event, the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office identified 42 potential victims of sex trafficking during a series of stings and cited 30 additional men for soliciting prostitution. The good news is, Mr. Speaker, we are drawing attention to this fact and working hard to end this heinous practice. Next year, my home State of Minnesota will be hosting the Super Bowl, and our host committee is already working hard in collaboration with Federal and local law enforcement, with government agencies, with advocacy groups and victims' service organizations to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan to address the issue. That is because, Mr. Speaker, over the next year, we will continue to end the practice of human trafficking, working tirelessly, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we can have freedom from the ugliness of trafficking.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we observed National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and we continue to shine a light on this modern form of slavery. As a part of that effort, I am cosponsoring the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which is the next step in helping the victims of human trafficking. The heinous practice of human trafficking exploits young girls and boys. These victims are oftentimes our most vulnerable and are taken advantage of by those with no regard for their well-being. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act will allow victims to petition courts to have their criminal records cleared of nonviolent offenses that were committed as a direct result of being trapped in human trafficking. It is a very important step, Mr. Speaker, in helping these individuals get the opportunity to return to living fulfilling lives on their own terms and getting the fresh start that they deserve. No man, woman, girl, or boy should ever be subjected to sex trafficking. We must remain vigilant in our fight against this crime and ensure that the victims receive the support and resources they need because, together, we can stop human trafficking.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to recognize and support our many men and women bravely serving and protecting their communities all across Minnesota and our country. Law enforcement officers are heroes. They put their lives on the line to keep our neighborhoods, homes, businesses, and schools safe and secure, as was evidenced by the tragedy that took place in Orlando. We owe them so much for the many risks and difficult decisions they make every single day. It is important that we don't take their service for granted. Our communities are better, thanks to their unwavering commitment. That is why recognitions like today or National Night Out in August, where we promote police community partnerships through neighborhood block parties and cookouts with officers, are so critically important in strengthening the bond between community and law enforcement. Our men and women in uniform, as well as their families and loved ones, make tremendous sacrifices for the safety and security of their neighbors. We thank them and recognize them for their daily service.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. ``He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: . . .''

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Edina High School Girls' Swimming and Diving team for winning the Minnesota state title. The Hornets' victory was a complete team effort as competitors from every grade level contributed to the win. Edina took the lead over their rivals after the third event and never looked back. Senior Rachel Wittmer led the way in swimming by winning the 50 freestyle for the fourth year in a row, and setting a new state record in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays with her teammates. In the diving competition, freshman Megan Phillip defeated the defending state champion on her final dive to claim the title. Excelling in swimming and diving takes incredible dedication, and their championship is a testament to that continued discipline. These athletes pushed themselves every day to shave hundredths of a second off their personal best or repeated dive after dive until it was perfect. When adding in schoolwork, family obligations, and other commitments, it is remarkable these student-athletes accomplish all that they do. Mr. Speaker, once again, congratulations to the Edina High School Girls' Swimming and Diving Team on a job well done.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Gary Ellis. Mr. Ellis is retiring from medical technology leader Medtronic this month after 27 years of service, including 11 years as the company's chief financial officer. Mr. Ellis's leadership and vision dramatically contributed to Medtronic's financial well-being and the well-being of thousands of Medtronic employees. During his tenure with the company, Medtronic's revenue increased from $837 million in 1989 to $28.8 billion in 2016, a 34 times increase. Importantly, he helped oversee the growth of the company from approximately 7,000 employees in 1989 to more than 88,000 employees today. Mr. Ellis is known for his sound advice, mentorship and positive outlook, and has provided honest and insightful counsel to the Medtronic Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, his peers and his team. Importantly, as part of Medtronic's Mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life for people around the world, the company's impact on people's lives grew exponentially during Mr. Ellis's leadership. In 2005, when Mr. Ellis became chief financial officer, the company proudly improved the life of someone every 6 seconds. Today, as a result of strong leadership, growth and innovation, Medtronic technology improves the lives of two people every single second, or more than 65 million people per year. In addition, Mr. Ellis has demonstrated his commitment and passion for community through philanthropic activities and Board service, including service as Chairman of the American Heart Association Board in 2007 through 2008, as well as dedicated service on the boards of the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Science Museum of Minnesota. He has also played an active leadership role and contributed many years of Board service to his local church. Prior to joining Medtronic in 1989, Mr. Ellis was a senior audit manager for Price Waterhouse, where, in addition to several other responsibilities, he managed the Medtronic audit for nearly 10 years. He worked with several large corporate organizations, as well as providing audit services to numerous non-profit organizations. Mr. Ellis grew up on a farm in Sac City, Iowa, and originally aspired to be a math teacher. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1978 from the University of South Dakota. Above all, Mr. Ellis is a family man, who cherishes spending time at the lake with his wife, Sue, their two children, and five grandchildren. Though his leadership will be sincerely missed, I wish him the best in his retirement and thank him for everything he has done within the business community and within the Twin Cities community.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wayzata Boys Cross Country team for winning the Minnesota High School State Championship. The Trojans capped off their championship season with a strong team finish. Wayzata, led by junior Khalid Hussein, had five runners placing among the top 22 finishers in the state championship race. The diligence of each individual runner as well as the dedication of their coach, Mark Popp, is responsible for this team-wide success. Everyone knows that cross country requires countless hours of practice and preparation. It's a sport that requires both mental and physical endurance and these outstanding student-athletes should be commended for their excellence. Balancing school and athletics is not an easy task. It takes focus. It takes dedication. And, it takes hard work both in and out of the classroom as they continually make strides to improve their craft. The families, teachers, friends, and the entire community are very proud of the Wayzata Boys' Cross Country team. Congratulations on being state champs.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to offer a big congratulations to the Edina Girls' Cross Country team for winning the Minnesota High School State Championship. After winning it all last year, the Hornets were determined to defend their state title. In the final race, Edina put forward a great team effort with runners from all four grades placing for points, including three runners in the top 10 and five in the top 20. Led by senior captain Amanda Mosborg, the team was able to fend off its rivals and repeat as champs. Cross country requires countless hours, and miles, of training and discipline. As the father of cross-country runners myself, I've seen firsthand the time and commitment it takes, from the challenging practices to the faraway travel to daylong meets, all while juggling academics and other obligations. These girls, along with Coach Matt Gabrielson, saw their dedication pay off with their victory. Mr. Speaker, after winning the championship last year, the Edina Girls' Cross Country team didn't let up and came back to win it again. Congratulations to the runners, coaches, and parents on an excellent season. Our community is proud. Go Hornets.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of General Mills, an iconic Minnesota company. In 1866, on the banks of the Mississippi River, a bold and ambitious flour mill was founded, immediately becoming one of the largest in the country. Then in the 1920s, the company recognized that the milling industry needed to adapt, and so it expanded its scope and its vision and was renamed General Mills, turning its attention to food and consumer products, and brands such as Cheerios and Betty Crocker were born, becoming staples in homes across the United States and the world. For 150 years, General Mills has made wonderful contributions to our great State. General Mills embodies the Minnesota spirit of hard work, innovation, perseverance, and generosity. They are an outstanding corporate citizen, representing the best of Minnesota and having an impact around the world. Mr. Speaker, as Minnesotans, we take great pride in General Mills' success over the past 150 years, and we wish them continued success in the future with their leadership.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act. There are more than 10,000 known diseases in the world, and many of them are rare diseases. Yet, there are only 500 of them that have an FDA-approved treatment. Millions of Americans today feel powerless because they have a deadly disease and they have no hope of a cure because there aren't enough resources for research or the regulatory barriers are discouraging innovation. This bipartisan initiative today gives patients new hope. It supports more NIH research; it streamlines the regulatory approval process; and it gives patients more input in the treatment and delivery process. I am also pleased today, Madam Speaker, that we are providing important reforms to our mental health system. For too long, patients and families, mental healthcare professionals, and law enforcement have been crying for help. This legislative effort represents the most significant improvement to the mental health system that we have seen in over a decade. Madam Speaker, this is an innovation game-changer. It is a once-in-a- generation, transformational opportunity to change the way we treat disease. It expedites the discovery, the development, and the delivery of new treatments and cures; and it ensures that America will be a leader in the global fight for medical innovation.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, Saturday is National Adoption Day. It is an annual celebration of the thousands of new adoptions that take place every year. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the thousands of children who are still in foster care in need of permanent homes. Since National Adoption Day was started 16 years ago, several children advocacy groups, including the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, have worked with foster care agencies and courts in all 50 States to finalize more than 40,000 adoptions to take place on that day. This is amazing work that helps bring wonderful additions to selfless, committed families. It is great to see so many children finding new beginnings through adoption, but it is also important to remember those who are still in need of permanent homes. There are more than 100,000 children who are waiting for an adoptive family in foster care, and, on average, they wait nearly 3 years to be adopted. Every child deserves to grow up in a loving family and a safe and open-hearted home. Mr. Speaker, adoption is a joyous occasion for thousands of children and families, and National Adoption Day is a reminder of how to create more of these powerful life-changing experiences.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Eden Prairie, Minnesota, for being recognized and named as the Second Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine. It is not the first time that Eden Prairie has been recognized as a great place to live. It has made the annual list several times over the years and even finished number one in 2010. Eden Prairie is a wonderful place for families and kids because of its excellent schools, great parks, and over 100 miles of terrific walking and biking trails. There are also 17 lakes that add to our high quality of life. The city also has a lot to offer through its economy as well. There are several great local and global brands that are headquartered in town or nearby. Mr. Speaker, Eden Prairie residents have known this for a long period of time. It is a great place to work, to live, and to raise a family. I am honored to represent such an outstanding community and to call it home myself.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, when you ask a small-business owner or an entrepreneur about the challenge of starting a new business, they will often tell you that the key to their success is keeping talented employees and recruiting talented employees to keep their company moving forward. Today we have an opportunity to help startup companies. The Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act is a bipartisan initiative that focuses on two simple but very important concepts: keeping the United States on the forefront of innovation and promoting employee ownership. I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) for his bipartisan leadership on this issue as well. Mr. Speaker, today our Tax Code is forcing many mid- and lower-level employees at startup companies and businesses around the country to let a very promising investment opportunity pass them by. Unlike employees at larger, more established companies, startup employees are often offered compensation in the form of stock options, a significant part of their compensation. And it is a common practice for a business that is developing a new and promising technology but is not yet profitable. More and more employees of startups these days aren't exercising their stock options, and that is because if they do, they get hit with a tax bill from the IRS, a tax bill that can be unaffordable because they don't have the cash available to make the tax payment which is due immediately. As a result, employees are letting their stock options expire, missing out on thousands and thousands of dollars that could help them send their kids to college or plan for their retirement. So here is a simple solution today, Mr. Speaker. The Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act will let an employee defer their tax payment for a reasonable period--7 years--or until there is a market for their stock, which they could then sell to get the money needed to pay the tax bill. Many employees are drawn to startup businesses these days for the opportunity to work on shaping the future, the next innovative solution that can improve the lives of millions of people. It might be in health care, it might be treating cancer, or it could be in developing new mobile computer technology. They are also drawn, though, to the chance and the opportunity to have some ownership over this new idea. However, some are now choosing to instead stay at or go to a larger, established company because they know at a startup business they could face a very unfortunate tax situation. So to put it simply, Mr. Speaker, the Tax Code should not stand in the way of developing new, life-changing technologies. We should help these startups attract new employees and new talent and help those employees chase their dreams to seek new, creative environments that could lead to the next breakthrough innovation. The legislation is also designed to promote employee ownership. Only those individuals at startup businesses where similar stock options are offered to 80 percent of their employees or more will be eligible for the tax deferral provided in the bill. This will encourage businesses to offer more of their employees an ownership stake, as well as serve as a very important guardrail to prevent companies that only offer stock options to a select few high-level employees from taking advantage of any provisions in the legislation. Importantly, the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act also contains several provisions to ensure that only those employees who truly need tax deferral are actually able to obtain it. Individuals that own more than 1 percent of a business, the CEO, the CFO, and the four highest paid employees at a business are not eligible for deferral. Mr. Speaker, the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act is part of Leader McCarthy's Innovation Initiative here in the House. It is endorsed by the Venture Capital Association, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, and dozens of businesses around the country. I include in the Record their three letters of support. National Venture Capital Association, September 7, 2016. Hon. Erik Paulsen, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Joseph Crowley, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representatives Paulsen and Crowley: On behalf of our nation's venture capital investors and the entrepreneurs they support, I write to express our support for H.R. 5719, the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act, and to thank you for your leadership on this important issue. This legislation would allow startup employees to defer tax liability on income arising from exercised but illiquid stock options. As you know, stock options are a critical tool for attracting talented individuals to work at our nation's startups. Employees are often compensated with stock options as a promise that if the startup succeeds, everybody shares in the gain. And, stock options are particularly important for startups who are often cash strapped and using all resources available to develop and build a novel product. But as the U.S. capital markets have become more hostile to small capitalization companies, increasingly startups are opting to stay private longer rather than pursue an initial public offering (IPO). This has given rise to challenges for employees at our nation's startups when their stock options vest without a liquid market to sell their shares in order to pay the taxes that are due. Your legislation to allow an additional period of time for employees to defer taxes on exercised stock options is a common sense solution to this challenge that will encourage more talented Americans to help build today's startups into tomorrow's Fortune 500 success stories. We must make new company creation a national priority to compete in the 21st century economy. Your bill will help us avoid a startup brain drain by preserving the value of stock options for employees. NVCA and its member firms look forward to working with you to pass this legislation into law and protect the value of stock options for startup employees. Again, thank you for your leadership on this important issue. Sincerely, Bobby Franklin, President and CEO.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), who has been a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship.

Mr. PAULSEN. I urge all my colleagues in supporting this very commonsense, bipartisan, and bicameral legislation to increase employee ownership and accelerate American innovation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the majority leader, who has moved forward and focused attention on a number of different innovation initiatives. These initiatives have come from listening to entrepreneurs.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As we close, let me just start by thanking my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that have spoken in favor of the merits of the bill and in support for the bill. We all know that startups fuel innovation. It is the entrepreneurial spirit and American ingenuity and know-how that has produced new technologies and has produced new breakthroughs and new inventions to improve health care, to improve society, and to create more jobs and economic growth. It is part of our DNA. Startups don't have the ability to offer potential employees and new talent the same benefits or same salaries that can be more valuable in the long run than larger institutions can offer to certain employees. So, instead, these startups have to go forward and offer their employees something that could be more valuable--a chance to be a part of the company, a chance to own a piece of the rock. A lot of startups offer stock options to recruit top talent. It is an incentive for an employee to work hard for the company they believe in or in the idea that they believe in. But more and more often, employees at these startups are missing out. They are missing out on the opportunity because they are not exercising their stock options to have the equity in the company that they believe in. They are not exercising them because if they do, they have to immediately pay the taxes on the income associated with the stock even though they may not be able to afford the cash payment to do so. A big number of these startups, Mr. Speaker, are privately held with no market for the employees to sell a portion of their stock to pay their taxes. The IRS demands the tax payment immediately, and so those employees let their options expire. They never have the chance to get the investment at a job they believe in and a job they enjoy. But, today, Mr. Speaker, we are fixing that. We have a solution. We are giving these startup employees a reasonable time period to pay the tax, allowing them to wait until their stock becomes tradeable on a public market so they can sell it to pay the bill. Helping the innovation economy is a key and important way to promote new products, to promote new services, and to promote new ideas from the dreamers, the inventors, and entrepreneurs we have in America. Letting those innovators attract the brightest and best talent is going to keep America out front, always innovating, always creating, and always inspiring American leadership. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, last weekend, an act of terror took place at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, mall. On Saturday night, 10 people were stabbed at the Crossroads Mall before the attacker was fatally shot by an armed off-duty police officer on the scene. Thankfully, none of the victims were killed, and all are expected to make full recoveries. The attack is yet another troubling reminder of the growing threat that Americans do face here at home. The quick reaction of the armed off-duty police officer, Jason Falconer of Avon, likely stopped this from being an even greater tragedy. He is a hero for his bravery, his courage, and his selflessness to protect those who were in danger that night. Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way, and they deserve our utmost respect for the risks and the difficult decisions that they make each and every day. Mr. Speaker, the safety of our citizens must remain a top priority, and I will continue to work to ensure that our law enforcement agencies have the resources that are necessary to protect American lives.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sarrah Bushara, a young 18 year old oboist from Eden Prairie, for being selected to Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra--United States of America program. Sarrah participated in a competitive audition process and was judged on her technical ability, musicianship, passion, and intellectual curiosity along with other musicians her age. After she was selected, Sarrah took part in a three-week residency, which included orchestral rehearsals, musical workshops, and a performance in Carnegie Hall. After their residency, Sarrah and the rest of the National Youth Orchestra embarked on a European tour in July to perform at concert halls in Amsterdam, Montpellier, Copenhagen, and Prague. Mr. Speaker, our community is extremely proud of Sarrah; her skills with the oboe earned her a place in this prestigious youth orchestra. I offer her my congratulations on her musical success and I wish her well in her musical endeavors.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to recognize the Minnetonka School District for being named the number one school district in Minnesota by Niche, a Web site that analyzes education data across the country. The Minnetonka School District has received an overall A-plus grade based on their excellence in several areas, including academics, educational outcomes, teachers, and extracurricular opportunities. The school district received an A grade or higher in 9 out of 10 different categories considered in the analysis. Mr. Speaker, I commend the teachers and the administrators of the Minnetonka schools for their commitment to going above and beyond in educating students from preschool to graduation. By dedicating themselves to providing an enriching learning environment, these educators are equipping students with all the necessary tools to not only excel in the classroom but also contribute to leadership on sports teams, clubs, and in our community. We are proud to have such an exemplary school system in our own backyard. Congratulations to the teachers, the students, the administrators, and the parents of Minnetonka for this distinguished recognition.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Wayzata's David Plummer on winning the bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke in this year's Olympic Games. David's path to the Olympics was not an easy one. David is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota and the very first former Golden Gopher men's swimmer to win an Olympic medal for the United States. After missing the 2012 games in London by a fraction of a second, he thought his Olympic aspirations might be shattered. However, David never gave up and continued to pursue his dream. This year, at the age of 30, he made the Olympic team and reached his goal of competing and winning the bronze medal at the Olympic Games. On top of his achievements in the pool, David is also a leader in our community. He is the head coach of the Wayzata High School boys' swim and dive team, leading them to a State championship in his first season, as well as winning Minnesota's State Coach of the Year. Mr. Speaker, we can draw inspiration from David's determination to overcome any obstacle. David has made the State of Minnesota and our entire country proud. Congratulations, David.