Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, I was not present for 2 votes. Had I been present for rollcall No. 241, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 242, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise with pride to recognize three outstanding students, with Michigan roots, whose vocal talent earned them spots in the coveted finals of American Idol for its thirteenth season. For more than a decade, teens from across America have been using the stage of this great competition to share their musical gifts with people across our country. American Idol has been the proving ground for many young vocal artists who have gone on to make careers in the extremely competitive music industry. This year, Jena Irene Asciutto of Farmington Hills, Malaya Watson of Southfield and Sam Woolf, originally of West Bloomfield, have demonstrated the incredible talent that exists amongst the youth of Michigan's Fourteenth Congressional District and the Greater Detroit area. Paying homage to the incredible vocal talent of Detroit's past, Malaya Watson began her journey on American Idol by singing Ain't No Way from Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. As the daughter of a professional guitar player, an active member of Detroit's Mosaic Youth Theater, and a tuba player in her high school marching band, it is clear that Malaya's passion for music began at a young age and is a significant part of her life. Having made it to the final eight contestants, Malaya is one of the youngest finalists in American Idol history. Sam Woolf, who spent his early years growing up in West Bloomfield, comes from a family with a long history of musical talent. Sam's great- grandfather, Sammy Woolf, was a well-known bandleader in Detroit, and his uncle, Randall Woolf, is a composer. Sam's great-uncle was a particularly prominent musician in Greater Detroit's Jewish community. With his top-five finish in this year's American Idol competition, Sam has undoubtedly made his family, the community of West Bloomfield and his current neighbors in Bradenton, Florida proud. For Jena Irene Asciutto, this year's American Idol competition has been a magical ride--one that took her all the way to the finale. It is clear that Jena Irene's love and passion for music began long before her American Idol debut. From age 12 to 16, Jena Irene was an active member of the band Infinity Hour and has been an annual participant in her school's Coffee House talent show. As she prepares to graduate from North Farmington High School, Jena Irene's outstanding performances on American Idol have brought great pride to her family, her friends and to many across the State of Michigan and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, again, it is a pleasure to rise and recognize the outstanding talent of Jena Irene Asciutto, Malaya Watson and Sam Woolf, who have inspired aspiring young vocalists from across the country to hone their vocal talents and pursue their dreams. I join their family, friends, and many in the Greater Detroit community in expressing pride of their accomplishments and wishing them ongoing success as they continue to pursue their dreams.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important milestone in the City of Hamtramck as the community comes together to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Hamtramck Police Department. When Hamtramck first incorporated as a village in 1901, the tight- knit community was served by a single Marshall, Charles Johnson. For the first twelve years of its existence, Hamtramck was served by one law enforcement officer. On November 14, 1914, under the leadership of Marshall Bernard Whalen, the Hamtramck Village Police Force was formed. As the Hamtramck community entered the 1920s, the police force began to develop and take shape. Hailed as a progressive organization for its time, the Hamtramck Police Department employed multiple African American officers beginning in the 1920s. When Officer Harry Wurmuskerken became chief in 1922, he oversaw the specialization of the department into bureaus to better serve the people of Hamtramck. Just two years later, the Hamtramck Police added a Women's Division to the department under the direction of Mrs. Susan Glinski. This division provided significant support to women and families living in the community. Thanks to its efforts, Hamtramck had one of the lowest juvenile delinquency rates in Michigan. Over the decades that followed, the department grew along with the City of Hamtramck, reaching its peak of 120 officers in the 1940s. The department implemented many new technologies that helped increase responsiveness and public safety, including new patrol cars, a Teletype machine, a fire signal system, and a Western Electric one way radio system. During this time, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of its officers in uniform, Hamtramck was named Safest City in America by AAA in 1946. Following the peak of Hamtramck's population, the police department, just as its counterparts in neighboring municipalities, faced a period of tribulation where its officers faced increasing crime rates coupled with decreasing population and resources. In spite of these challenges, the men and women of the Hamtramck Police Department have been vigilant to protect their vibrant and diverse community. Their efforts are an important part of revitalizing the Southeast Michigan region and I commend the officers of the Hamtramck Police Department for their bravery and service to the community. The 100th Anniversary of the police department is a great milestone in the history of Hamtramck and I wish the officers of the department continued success and safety in their ongoing endeavors to protect their community.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Al Fracassa as his family and the Greater Detroit community celebrate his retirement as Head Coach of the Brother Rice Warriors football team in Birmingham, Michigan. Capping off a 57 year career in football coaching, Coach Fracassa leaves the field as the winningest high school football coach in the State of Michigan's history having compiled 430 victories. Long before his days as coach, Fracassa played football in high school and college--where he earned All State honors at Detroit's Northeastern High School and later joined the Michigan State University Spartans. At Michigan State, he was part of the school's dominance in colligate football during the early 1950s. While playing with the Spartans, Coach Fracassa was part of a team that won the National Championship in 1952 and played in the Rose Bowl in 1954. During his senior year, Coach Fracassa was honored with the highly coveted Fred Danziger Award. Praised by his teammates for his contributions both on and off the field, they describe Coach Fracassa as a dedicated athlete whose leadership inspired the best in his teammates--qualities that would continue to inspire while he worked the sidelines as a coach. After his graduation from Michigan State, Coach Fracassa joined the coaching staff at Royal Oak's Shrine High School and became head coach several years later. In 1969, he went on to become head coach at Brother Rice High School in Birmingham, where he has served for 45 years and built a dynasty of dominance in Michigan high school football. In football, so many important metrics of performance are measured by statistics, numbers which tell an incredible story of success for the Warriors under the direction of Coach Fracassa. With nine Michigan High School Athletic Association Championships--including three in the last three years, 16 Catholic League Championships, four teams that have been ranked national by USA Today and 430 victories over his career, Coach Fracassa has built an incredible program at Brother Rice. He is the recipient of many awards throughout his career, including the 2013 Coach of the Year Award by USA Today. However, statistics do not tell the entire story of Coach Fracassa's success--the inspiration he instills in his players through his leadership and dedication to overall well-being. A constant throughout his career, Coach Fracassa is praised by his players for his inventiveness in play calling, his support of their development both on and off the field, and his genuine love for the sport of football. And as a testament to the long-term impact of his coaching, many of his players have gone on to excel in college and the National Football League. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Coach Al Fracassa for the incredible impact he has made on the Greater Detroit community and the State of Michigan. For 57 years, he has demonstrated leadership and dedication that have truly inspired his players to reach for their maximum potential. Coach Fracassa leaves an incredible legacy at Brother Rice--45 years of success and hundreds of students who he has helped develop both in personal character and in skill on the football field. I know his leadership on the field will be greatly missed and I wish Coach Fracassa and his wife, Phyllis, the very best as they embark upon a new chapter in their lives.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, as of Monday, there were 596,061 veterans waiting for their claims to be processed by the Veterans Administration. More than half of these claims have been pending for more than 125 days. This is outrageous and simply unacceptable. We are failing our veterans who have put their lives on the line for this Nation and rely on services at the VA for their health care and other benefits upon retirement. As a former lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I am extremely disappointed with the inability to eliminate the paperwork backlog at the Veterans Administration. The men and women who have served our country honorably, and their families, deserve so much better. In my home State of Michigan at the Detroit Regional Veterans Administration Office almost 49 percent of claims have been pending for more than 125 days. While this number may seem high, it is actually lower than the combined national average, where 53 percent of claims have been pending for more than 125 days. It is unacceptable that, as hundreds and thousands of veterans wait months to have these essential benefits processed, government contractors are able to use taxpayer dollars to purchase first-class travel. There is no way to justify spending on luxury travel for contractors while the VA is dealing with months-long backlogs. It just doesn't make sense. Mr. Chairman, this is why I am putting forward a simple amendment barring the use of funds in this bill to be spent on first-class travel for government contractors. I believe this amendment sends an important message that Congress, the administration, and contractors are accountable to American taxpayers. This amendment is about making efficient use of taxpayer dollars and reducing wasteful government spending. Federal contractors simply should not be using Federal tax dollars on first-class flights. I ask my colleagues to stand with me and support this commonsense amendment. Let us send a strong message to our veterans and other constituents about our priorities as we work on behalf of them here in Washington. Please support this amendment which will bring further accountability and fiscal sensibility to our government. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Monday April 28, 2014 I was not present for 2 votes. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 178, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 179, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Friday April 4, 2014 I was not present for 6 votes. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 159, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 160, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 161, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 162, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 163, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 164, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize the opening of Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital's South Patient Tower. The South Patient Tower is an eight-story, contemporary-styled facility that features 208 private, technologically integrated and enhanced patient care rooms, which provide ample space for the family and friends who we know are vital to the healing process. This patient-centered and technologically advanced addition highlights this hospital's dedication to administering a high-quality health care experience to members of our community. Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital is an award-winning facility that has provided expert and compassionate care to the citizens of the Pontiac area for more than 85 years. In that time the hospital has chosen to focus its efforts on quality, patient safety and cost- efficiency. In doing so it has become nationally recognized for the high level of care that it provides and as a leader in Cardiology, Critical Care, Women's Health and Orthopedics. The South Patient Tower builds on that tradition, and illustrates Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital's longstanding commitment to providing the best care possible to the community. This South Patient Tower is the culmination of the Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital's ongoing commitment to medical excellence. A major feature of the tower is the deployment of the most advanced integrated medical technology, which will transform the future of health care. The Intelligent Care System technology that this facility will employ creates the most technologically advanced health environment in the country. In doing so, hospital staff will be empowered to bring a new level of responsive, proactive, collaborative and innovative care to the patients that they serve. Additionally, Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital has chosen to invest in efforts to enhance every aspect of a patient's health care experience through their Healing Arts program. By recognizing that the physical environment is an integral part of the hospital experience, Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital has taken efforts to create a calming atmosphere and restorative environment for patients through the integration of intentional art, architecture and esthetic. Mr. Speaker, I am truly proud to celebrate and recognize the opening of Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital's South Patient Tower. This institution is dedicated to putting patient care at the forefront of its mission and efforts, and by choosing to invest in the future of health care Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital continues its commitment to being an exceptional place to come for healing of body, mind and spirit.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday April 2, 2014 I was not present for 3 votes. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 152, I would have voted ``nay;'' had I been present for rollcall No. 153, I would have voted ``nay;'' had I been present for rollcall No. 154, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, as the members and leadership of Local 58 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) gather to celebrate the centennial of their organization, I congratulate them on their many achievements and accomplishments. As America approached the Twentieth Century, workers in an increasingly industrialized society saw the need to come together to promote safe working conditions, fair pay and strong professional operating standards--a labor movement that gave rise to the IBEW to protect electrical workers. From the beginning of the IBEW's existence, Detroit has had a strong membership, which resulted in the creation of Local 58 in 1914. Under its first President, Ed Ismond, the members of Local 58 worked diligently to realize increases in pay that better reflected the danger of their profession, increased flexibility in project design to ensure higher safety standards, and the creation of many workplace practices that continue to be the standard today. Among those practices are the eight hour workday, the forty hour work week, established rates of pay and established pay schedules. At the turn of the century in late 1800s, advancements in manufacturing made it possible to better harness the power of electricity--events which put the members of Local 58 at the center of major events in our nation's history. With the manufacturing boom in Detroit, members of Local 58 put their skills to work in the construction of structures that have become iconic of the economic might of our country: structures like the Ambassador Bridge, Masonic Temple, Penobscot Building and Michigan Central Station. And later, when America entered World War II, 200 members of Local 58 answered the call to serve our nation overseas and many more of its members served our nation in the Arsenal of Democracy, producing equipment that was vital to our success. In the later decades of the 1900s, Local 58 continued in its mission to push for more effective workplace protections, seeking higher standards for the conditions allowed by contractors. As part of this effort, Local 58, the IBEW and their brothers and sisters in the labor movement became more politically active--directly engaging their legislative officials to discuss the importance of workplace safety. Throughout its history, Local 58 and the IBEW, like many of their labor movement partners in other industries, have shown a dedication to training and continuing education for their members. Woven into the very fabric of Local 58, its apprenticeship training program can be traced back to 1923. Originally operated in partnership with Detroit Public Schools, the original trade school was located at Sixth and Abbott in Detroit. After moving to several locations over the next eighty years, Local 58 opened a 50,000 square foot training facility in Warren, with ten classrooms, three hands-on shop areas and many state- of-the-art labs, which supports nearly 240 apprentices. In addition to the apprenticeship programs, the center also supports the ongoing education of Local 58's members--more than 4,700 strong. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor that I am able to rise to recognize the incredible accomplishments of the men and women of Local 58 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. As masters of electricity, from the iconic skyline of Detroit to the current standards enjoyed by the American workforce at-large, the members of Local 58 have been deeply involved in shaping the United States in the Twentieth Century. Their achievements over the last 100 years are truly remarkable and I am proud to continue standing in solidarity with them and their brothers and sisters in the labor movement to ensure that the future of our nation continues to be bright for all Americans.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the staff and supporters of Affirmations on reaching a great milestone in their organization's history--twenty-five years of service to the Greater Detroit LGBT community. Created in 1989, Affirmations began as the LGBT community's answer for a need to have a safe haven, with a mission to provide a welcoming space where individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultures would be able to find support and acceptance. Operated entirely by volunteers during its first 2 years, Affirmations' first service was a toll-free phone line, where community members could call for information and assistance. Under the leadership of Affirmations' first executive director, Jan Stevenson, programs quickly expanded to include several support groups, where community members could find reassurance and acceptance among their peers. From its humble beginnings, Affirmations quickly grew to address the evolving needs of Greater Detroit's LGBT community. At the center of its operating philosophy is the goal of empowering and educating volunteers to effect positive change in their own lives and in the broader community. Early on in its existence tragedy struck. In 1992 as Susan Pittmann and Christine Puckett, two of Affirmations founding members and leaders in Michigan's LGBT community, were murdered. Affirmations worked with other LGBT advocacy organizations in Michigan to rally the community and engage the public in a discussion on the need to protect all individuals from hate crimes. The mission of advocacy has not waned in the years that have followed as Affirmations has held countless community forums and created many programs to assist its community members. Among these programs are health services geared toward practices that are sensitive to an individual's sexual orientation and gender identity. In a state and a country where it is still unfortunately legal for companies to fire someone based on their perceived orientation or gender identity, Affirmations provides LGBT youth with an internship program where they can gain valuable workplace skills in a supportive environment, and works with other local organizations to assist community members that have been the victims of discrimination in the workplace. Over my many years in public service, as a proud ally of the LGBT community in Michigan, it has been a pleasure to support Affirmations' endeavors. Whether it is marriage equality, health services funding, or protecting LGBT people in the workplace and at school, Affirmations has been at the forefront of advocating for a more just, informed, and tolerant discussion of these important issues. Just two weekends ago, I was gratified to see that Affirmations rallied the community following Judge Friedman's historical ruling on marriage equality in Michigan to ensure that so many loving LGBT couples were able to finally have all of the same protections under the law that other loving couples enjoy. I was proud to work with my fellow Democratic members of Michigan's Congressional delegation to successfully push for Federal recognition of those marriages. Mr. Speaker, as a long time friend, supporter and ally of Affirmations and Michigan's LGBT community, I am proud to recognize the profound impact this organization has made in Michigan over the last 25 years. The staff, supporters and volunteers of Affirmations have touched so many lives through their years of dedication and advocacy-- fostering a dialogue and taking actions that have seen great steps forward in the ongoing endeavor to obtain full equality for the LGBT community. In its first 25 years, Affirmations has worked hard to fulfill its mission and I look forward to continuing to partner with its staff, supporters and volunteers as we make more progress to ensure that our entire state is safe and supportive for Michigan's LGBT residents.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, I was not present for 3 votes. I wish to submit my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 152, I would have voted ``nay.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 153, I would have voted ``nay.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 154, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to congratulate the members and leadership of the Steamfitters, Pipefitters, Refrigeration and Air Condition Service Local Union 636 as they gather to celebrate their local's centennial and recognize them for their many important accomplishments. As the Detroit chapter of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA), Local 636 and its members are part of an organization with a rich history that has supported our country in moments of crisis. As key participants in the Public Works Administration and Works Progress Administration during the New Deal, members of the UA put their skills and experience to work for the revitalization of our Nation--constructing many roads, dams, schools, libraries, and other public buildings that are a testament to the ingenuity of American workers. Furthermore, as citizens across the United States rose to answer the call to serve our Nation during WWII, members of the UA entered our Armed Forces and went to work in the Arsenal of Democracy--constructing equipment that was vital to our Nation's success. As a community that was central to industrial innovation and output during WWII and the decades that have come since then, the members of Local 636 in the greater Detroit area have a unique and strong bond to these significant moments in our history. With the mission of promoting the building trade professions through supporting high standards of excellence, the members of Local 636 are engaged in work that impacts the quality of our lives at home, at work, and in our leisure time. These high standards include a strong commitment to the ongoing education of its members, which Local 636 supports with a three-acre training center where its members can receive practical hands-on training for a number of disciplines including steam and hydronic heating systems, building automation systems, and industrial controls. Furthermore, through its programs, Local 636's education center provides members with certifications in pipefitting mastery, industrial process control calibration, EPA refrigerant recovery, orbital welding, and for many other practical applications. The end result is an educated workforce that is well positioned to capitalize on advancements in technology and thereby, able to serve the changing needs of the greater Detroit region. Mr. Speaker, in the past one-hundred years, the members of trade unions have been at the center of so many advancements in the workplace, in the pursuit of social justice, and in improving the quality of education. Many of the protections and rights that we enjoy in today's workplace are a result of their decades of struggle and dedication. Local 636 of the UA has a proud history that includes these valiant pursuits and as their members gather to celebrate and reflect upon their achievements over the last 100 years, I congratulate them on the impact they have made and the commitment they continue to embrace in support of their members and Michigan's middle-class families.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Bernadino Cruz, Jr., an educator, a musician and a community activist in Southwest Detroit. As an educator, Mr. Cruz shared his love of music and the learning process with his students as a music teacher at Burt Elementary and then at Cesar Chavez Academy. In each instance, he took his love of music and focused that passion into connecting his students with the importance of their education. At Burt Elementary, Mr. Cruz not only directly tied the music department programming into the school's curriculum, but also took the initiative to expand the array of programming available to students by establishing a concert choir. At Cesar Chavez, Mr. Cruz continued his track record of dedication to his students by establishing an instrumental music program and a touring bilingual concert choir. As an honor and testament to the remarkable impact Mr. Cruz made on the students at Cesar Chavez, the new media center at its high school will be dedicated to him. After more than six years as a teacher, Mr. Cruz stepped into a new educational role as Assistant Principal at the Hope of Detroit Academy. In this position, he continued his commitment to engage his students in the educational process. His responsibilities included overseeing the entire school curriculum, management of day-to-day operations and management of student body behavior. Furthermore, Mr. Cruz's passion for learning did not stop with his students--it is a value that he practiced in his own life as he continued to seek more knowledge in the field of education. Following his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Wayne State University, Mr. Cruz went on to receive additional certifications in education and education administration from Wayne State and Marygrove College in Detroit. With each new skill he developed, Mr. Cruz furthered his mission to empower his students with a quality education. As a musician, Mr. Cruz shared his passion for music with the Southwest Detroit community in many ways. In addition to his role as a music teacher in the field of education, Mr. Cruz served as a music teacher at the Most Holy Redeemer Church and used his musical talents to support many causes focused on strengthening the Southwest Detroit community. Working together with his brother Mauro, Mr. Cruz also sought to build bridges of cultural understanding by taking traditional Latin music and incorporating new rhythms and styles that helped youth better connect to both their identity and heritage. Mr. Speaker, leaders, educators and artists, like Mr. Bernadino Cruz, Jr., are so important to ensuring the success of the communities we represent. Mr. Cruz showed a passion and dedication for education, music and the Southwest Detroit community that have inspired so many to make a difference in their community. I join the Southwest Detroit community, and all whose lives have been influenced by Mr. Cruz and his enthusiasm, in the sadness that is felt for his loss. However, I know that his family can take comfort in the incredible difference he has made in the lives of so many people, and the inspiration his legacy will continue to instill in future generations.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Greater Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) as its members gather for the Twentieth Annual Top 10 Awards Ceremony. The Top 10 Awards provides the Greater Detroit Chapter of NAWBO with an opportunity to recognize women business owners and executives for their outstanding endeavors to expand the influence of women in business. Chartered in 1980, the Greater Detroit Chapter of NAWBO was founded to further the mission of its national organization in Southeast Michigan region; to expand the access of women to the top echelons of decision-making in social, economic and political endeavors around the world. To execute this mission, the members of NAWBO, both in Detroit and across the country, engaged in an exchange of knowledge and experiences that allowed them to develop and hone their entrepreneurial skills. Specifically, NAWBO sponsors programming that is designed to strengthen the capacity of its members to promote economic development, create innovative and effective change in business culture, build strategic partnerships and influence public policy discussions. To support these goals and its mission, the Greater Detroit Chapter of NAWBO hosts a number of events like Entrepreneur-YOU, which provides women entrepreneurs with a workshop to support the development of critical skills for creating and running a business; expos that allow members and the community at-large with a chance to build their social and business networks; and the Circle of Learning, which allows members to directly interact with each other in an effort to strengthen their brand, work culture and performance. The Top 10 Awards allows NAWBO to recognize leading women in business from Southeast Michigan, whose work is expanding the opportunities for women, to be recognized by their peers for their commitment, their vision and, most importantly, their excellence. I am pleased to congratulate this year's winners: Barabara Whittaker, Suzanne Bobbitt, Eva Scurlock, Mary Buchzeiger, Ann Reinman, Jmai Moore, Pamela Smith, Mashell Carissimi, Mary Ann Lievois, Carla Walker-Miller and Shirley R. Stancato, on the remarkable impact they are making on the Greater Detroit community. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Women's History Month and reflect upon the remarkable impact women have made on our country, I am honored to recognize the Greater Detroit Chapter of NAWBO and this year's Top 10 Awards winners for the work they are doing to expand opportunities for women in business. For the last thirty-four years, the members of NAWBO in Southeast Michigan have been at the forefront of supporting women in business and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of the mass murder of Armenians during the state-sponsored pogroms 26 years ago in Sumgait, Azerbaijan. These ethnically motivated mass killings were an affront to basic human rights and the continued lack of international recognition and acknowledgment represents a grave injustice. Peaceful demonstrations by Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh, who sought freedom and protested against policies that discriminated against Armenians, were met with violence against the Armenians of Sumgait, who were hundreds of miles away, defenseless, and targeted simply because they were Armenians. Nearby security forces allowed the violence to continue unabated and turned a blind eye to the horrific violence directed against Armenian civilians. True democracies must respect the rights of the minority and the human rights of all residents. On July 27, 1988, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Amendment 2690, which called upon the Soviet government to ``respect the legitimate aspirations of the Armenian people'', and noted that ``dozens of Armenians have been killed and hundreds injured during the recent unrest.'' The U.S. Senate passed an amendment in July 1988, acknowledging that even the Soviet authorities had described these massacres as a `pogrom'. Today, I remember the victims and ask this body to join me in honoring their memories.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Therapy Choirs of Michigan, a nonprofit organization based in Farmington Hills. This year, the Therapy Choirs of Michigan is preparing for its fifteenth annual ``Capitol Concert'' in Lansing, a remarkable achievement and great milestone in its history. Created in 1998 by Len McCulloch, Therapy Choirs of Michigan was founded with a mission of bringing together members of the community affected by similar disabilities and challenges to provide them with opportunities support each other through artistic vocal expression. While providing the public with entertainment, Therapy Choirs of Michigan seeks to provide its members and their families with a fun and therapeutic experience that will inspire them in their recovery, as well as raise awareness for the disabilities and challenges faced by its members. Engaging its members in a traditional ``a cappella'' format, Therapy Choirs of Michigan has developed choirs tailored to youth, seniors, individuals with developmental disabilities and veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. For each of its choirs, Therapy Choirs of Michigan provides a supportive environment of structured rehearsals that allows its members to maximize the development of improved self- esteem and building of enhanced social skills. Over the last fifteen years, the members of Therapy Choirs of Michigan have performed at over 160 concerts across the state while sharing their creativity, resilience, and artistry with others. They have been featured by local television stations and newspapers in the Greater Detroit area for the impact they are making, which includes donation drives that provided the Historic Detroit Rescue Mission with clothing that helped nearly 3,000 Michigan residents in-need. The efforts of its members have earned the Therapy Choirs of Michigan recognition from numerous organizations, including the Farmington Community Arts Council for outstanding achievement in the performing arts. And most recently, the work and impact of the Therapy Choirs of Michigan was recognized by the Michigan House of Representatives, which proclaimed the first week of March to be Therapy Choir Awareness Week across the entire state. Mr. Speaker, Therapy Choirs of Michigan and its members have demonstrated the incredible resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and remarkable courage to share their stories and raise awareness of their experiences with residents across the state. It is my honor to recognize and congratulate Len McCulloch and members of the Therapy Choirs of Michigan for the remarkable impact they are making on communities across the state and I wish them continued success and growth as they prepare for their annual ``Capitol Concert'' in Lansing.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anne. M. Ellis for her volunteer leadership to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI, an organization whose work is fundamental to our nation's critical infrastructure and key to our economic competitiveness. As a Member of Congress, I am privileged and honored to recognize Ms. Ellis for her leadership and lifelong commitment to this organization and to advancing the knowledge of concrete in the United States and abroad. ACI has been the pioneer in all concrete-related fields: research and development, structural design, architectural design, construction, and product manufacture. With 99 chapters, 65 student chapters, and nearly 20,000 members spanning over 120 countries, ACI provides knowledge and information for the best uses of concrete. Through a host of activities including continuing education, certification, seminars, publications, and conventions, ACI plays an active and vital role in the concrete industry. Core to ACI is the development of codes and standards, adopted for reference in building codes impacting potentially every concrete project in the United States. Additionally, there are some 21 countries worldwide that base part or all of their national building codes on the ACI's 318 Structural Concrete Building Code provisions. Ms. Ellis will complete her term, as the 90th President of ACI, at ACI's Spring Convention in Reno. Her Presidency was notable for the many accomplishments typified by the new ACI motto: Always Advancing that launched during her term. Her term also bore witness to a new ACI logo, a new ACI website translatable into 70 languages, and the formation of the following ACI committees: Education, Technical and Certification Committee (ETC); International Project Awards Committee (IPAC); Codes & Standards Advisory Committee; as well as launching the Global Chapter Roundtable. These concrete actions support ACI's new strategic plan that sets it on a course for global leadership in the 21st century. Anne Ellis' service to ACI began long before her presidency. Ms. Ellis has served on ACI's Board of Direction, the Board of the ACI Foundation, as well as numerous other Board and Technical committees. Working with ACI colleagues, Ms. Ellis helped institute free ACI student e-membership, facilitate ACI's entry into social networking, and establish the Collegiate Concrete Council, the Student and Young Professionals Activities Committee and Sustainability Committees. She was named an ACI Fellow in 2008. Not surprisingly, she has been named by ``Concrete Construction'' as one of the most influential people in the concrete industry. Currently, Ms. Ellis is Vice President of Global & Government Initiatives for AECOM, an $8-billion global provider of professional technical and management support services. In this role, Ms. Ellis drives business-critical initiatives and engages in policy, legislative and regulatory issues affecting AECOM and the clients and markets the company serves. Additionally, Ms. Ellis oversees the day-to-day operations of the AECOM Global Advisory Board, comprised of prominent global leaders who are external to AECOM and highly accomplished in business and geopolitics. Prior to joining AECOM, Ms. Ellis represented the Portland Cement Association and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. On behalf of these industries, she advocated for technical guidelines incorporated into landmark legislation that supported the development and construction of environmentally sustainable building designs. She represented the industries in the development of construction trade and supervisor training and certification programs--now standard in master specifications, with hundreds of thousands certified. Additionally, Ms. Ellis was a structural engineering project manager for numerous noteworthy entertainment, institutional and commercial building projects while at Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas; Martin, Cagley & Middlebrook; Dewberry & Davis; and Ehlert/Bryan. Throughout her career, Ms. Ellis taught a variety of classes to undergraduate students, including reinforced concrete design, and continuing education classes to practicing engineers, preparing hundreds of engineers for successful completion of the FE and PE exams. Ms. Ellis is a 2013 inductee into the Virginia Tech Academy of Engineering Excellence, an elite group composed of only 119 people out of its more than 60,000 living alumni. She is a 2007 inductee into the Virginia Tech Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni. She has completed terms on the Virginia Tech College of Engineering Advisory Board and the Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board, including a term as Chair. Ms. Ellis serves on the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (ETTAC), as an appointee of the Secretary of Commerce. ETTAC provides private-sector advice to 19 federal departments and agencies on federal trade policies and programs concerning the environmental technologies industry. Ms. Ellis is active in several business and professional organizations. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and served as ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition judge in 2004, 2005, and 2012. She was named an ASCE Fellow in 2013. The author of numerous articles and coauthor of the ``Concrete Design and Construction'' section in the Fifth Edition of the Standard Handbook for Civil Engineers, Ms. Ellis is a frequent speaker at universities, professional societies, and industry forums. She received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, and has been a professional engineer since 1984. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Ms. Anne M. Ellis' leadership and service to the American Concrete Institute.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Honorable Amy P. Hathaway, a judge on the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan in Wayne County, who is retiring from the bench after nearly two decades of service. Judge Hathaway's service to the people of Southeast Michigan began more than twenty years ago, when she joined the Wayne County Corporation Counsel as Assistant Corporation Counsel. In this role, Judge Hathaway undertook plaintiff and defense litigation matters in county, state and federal courts, as well oversaw the drafting of county ordinances and review of tax matters. After two years of work for Wayne County, Judge Hathaway was elected the Third Circuit Court of Michigan, with jurisdiction over matters of equity, civil claims in excess of $25,000 and matters involving felony violation of Michigan's criminal statutes. Prior to her public service, Judge Hathaway worked as a paralegal for Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP and as an associate at Dykema Gossett PLLC following her graduation from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in May 1987. While serving on the bench, Judge Hathaway has been recognized by numerous community organizations for her accessibility and conduct. In 2012, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association gave her an outstanding rating and cited her as among the most accessible and friendly judges on the Third Circuit Court. Additionally, Dbusiness Magazine named Judge Hathaway one of its Top Circuit Court Judges in 2013. Throughout her career, Judge Hathaway is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan and has served on its Constitutional Law Committee. She has also served as a member of the Governor's Task Force on Justice for Children and was elected by her peers to the Board of Directors of the Barristers of Detroit Bar Association, where she was named its Barrister of Year in 1991. Judge Hathaway has also taken on responsibilities as a mentor to the interns that have worked in her office. In addition to her commitment to serving the residents of Wayne County, Judge Hathaway has remained a proud and dedicated mother to her three adult children and a strong partner for her husband, the Honorable David Groner, who also serves as a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, as Judge Hathaway prepares to embark upon a new chapter on her life, I congratulate her and thank her for her many years of service to the people of Wayne County. Over her more than two decades of public service, Judge Hathaway has developed expertise and experience that will cause her to be greatly missed in the court room.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3590, the SHARE Act of 2013. This bill contains a harmful provision that chips away at the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) by retroactively allowing the import of sport-hunted polar bear trophies as Title IV of the bill. I submitted an amendment to the bill which would have struck Title IV, however the Rules Committee denied the members of this body an opportunity to vote on this issue. I am disappointed this legislation was not brought to the floor under an open rule which would have allowed consideration of my amendment so members could debate this precedent-setting provision. Polar bears are protected from sport hunting in the United States, including the polar bear population in Alaska. In 2008 the Bush Administration listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and the 1972 MMPA protects polar bears and other marine mammals. To allow American hunters to kill them for trophies in other countries is irresponsible and inconsistent with the bipartisan commitment to conserving the polar bear population. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the polar bear is a ``vulnerable'' species based on a projected population reduction of more than 30 percent within three generations (45 years) due to a decrease in distribution and habitat quality. It is estimated there are fewer than 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears remaining in the wild. Title IV of this bill exempts 41 trophy hunters who had proper notice of the impending prohibition on import of polar bear trophies. These 41 individuals hunted these bears after the Bush Administration proposed the species for listing as threatened under ESA, and all but one continued to hunt polar bears more than a year after the listing was proposed. Despite repeated warnings from hunting organizations and government agencies that they were hunting at their own risk because trophy imports were unlikely to be allowed as of the listing date, these individuals sport hunted polar bears anyway. An example of warnings regarding the prospects of importing polar bear trophies comes from hunting rights organization Conservation Force. The group wrote to hunters in December 2007: ``American hunters are asking us whether they should even look at polar bear hunts in light of the current effort by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to list this species as threatened . . . The bottom line is, no American hunter should be putting hard, non-returnable money down on a polar bear hunt at this point.'' The group also noted in January 2008: ``We feel compelled to tell you that American trophy hunters are likely to be barred from importing bears they take this season. Moreover, there is a chance that bears taken previous to this season may be barred as well. American clients with polar bear trophies still in Canada or Nunavut need to get those bears home.'' Conservation Force again reminded hunters that the ESA listing ``will stop all imports . . . immediately'' in April 2008. Later that same month, Safari Club International informed hunters: ``If some or all of the polar bear populations are listed, the FWS has indicated that imports of trophies from any listed populations would be barred as of that date, regardless of where in the process the application is.'' Congress should not change a law just because a few people did not heed clear and ample warnings. It is an affront to the millions of hunters and sportsmen who followed the law and observed the warning of government agencies and hunting organizations. The hunters that chose to travel to the Arctic to sport hunt polar bears should not receive special treatment. Doing so creates a moral hazard and establishes a dangerous precedent that could encourage rushes to sport hunt imperiled species prior to their formal listing as an endangered species. Those who wish to sport hunt imperiled species should understand they do so at their own risk and cannot rely on allies in Congress to bail them out with a retroactive waiver of critical conservation law. Congress first carved out a loophole in the MMPA and allowed for more than 900 sport-hunted polar bear trophies to be imported into the United States from Canada in 1994. In 1997, Congress amended the MMPA to allow imports of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before April 1994, regardless of what population the bear was taken from, and despite the strict prohibition on trophy imports in place prior to 1994. In 2003, Congress amended the MMPA to allow imports of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before February 1997. This allowed imports regardless of what population the bear is taken from, and as long as the hunter proves that the bear is ``legally harvested in Canada.'' Today with H.R. 3590, we have yet another effort to allow polar bear imports. This time we are asked to approve an additional 41 trophies on top of the more than 1,000 already Congress previously sanctioned for import. How many times are we going to provide these ``one-time'' import allowances? Doing this repeatedly undermines the restrictions on killing rare species. At a time when Congress should be working in a bipartisan basis to address many of the critical issues facing American families, more special treatment for wealthy sport hunters should not be a priority. I am disappointed that my amendment to strike Title IV was not made in order and that the House did not have an opportunity to further debate this matter.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a local education leader in Metropolitan Detroit, Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, the superintendent of Southfield Public Schools for the last seven years. In recognition of the profound impact of her leadership on the quality of public education in Southfield, Dr. Cook-Robinson was honored in 2013 as the Michigan Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of School Administrators. Dr. Cook-Robinson became the superintendent of Southfield Public Schools in 2006--directly serving the community she has called home for the last 30 years. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of public education as an instructor for both graduate and undergraduate education classes at Grand Valley State University, Marygrove College, and Wayne State University, as well as a tenure of service as Assistant Superintendent for Student Performance and Human Resources for the Oakland County Intermediate School District. The constant theme of Dr. Cook-Robinson's term has been promoting collaboration with staff and community stakeholders across all sectors of Southfield to fully leverage the maximum educational experience for her students. Among the fifty-two active partnerships Southfield Public Schools' has engaged in on Dr. Cook-Robinson's watch, is the Revolution Read program which has brought together local elected officials, the higher education sector, and small businesses with the goal of having every Southfield Public Schools' student reading at grade level by the end of their fifth grade year. It is a program that has already seen success as reading scores on state assessments improved in the program's second year. Dr. Cook-Robinson has also overseen the Southfield Public Schools' accreditation in the AdvancED program of the North Central Association Commission, which requires high academic standards to obtain--a distinction that had been achieved by only five other school districts in Michigan at that time. Additionally, Dr. Cook-Robinson has been directly involved with the creation of high school preparatory academies for Southfield students, providing a uniquely tailored small-class-size environment for students as they transition from middle school to high school in the eighth and ninth grades. For her outstanding record at the forefront of leadership in the public education sector, Dr. Cook-Robinson has been recognized by many organizations. She has been honored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc's Southfield Alumnae Chapter as its Educator of the Year, and has been named a Distinguished Educator by the Wayne State University College of Education Alumnae Chapter. Dr. Cook-Robinson remains an active leader across a number of local organizations including the Southfield Community Foundation, Wayne State University Board of Visitors, the Oakland University Department of Educational Leadership and the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where she continues to build partnerships that are providing Southfield Public School students the tools they need to succeed. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to move into a future where knowledge is an increasingly critical component to our nation's enduring prosperity, providing a world class education that prepares our youth to meet this demand is crucial. The work of educators, like Southfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, is key part of the continuing success of the Greater Detroit region, the State of Michigan and our Nation. I congratulate Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson on her achievements and know that as she transitions to new responsibilities at the Oakland Intermediate School District, that she will continue to play a vital role in preparing our youth to meet the challenges and demands of our changing world.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the executive team and employees of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC on their company's distinction as the 2013 Minority Manufacturer of the Year by the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Greater Detroit region has a rich history of innovation and is a community that is made strong through the diversity of its residents. Launched in 1998, as a joint venture between Detroit-based Epsilon Technologies, LLC and Johnson Controls, Inc., Bridgewater Interiors is a modern embodiment of these legacies. From its local beginnings, the management team and employees of Bridgewater Interiors embarked on a commitment to deliver high quality products that range from automotive seating systems to overhead systems and center consoles. As a testament to its success, Bridgewater Interiors has grown into a national Tier 1 supplier to the Big Three with over 1,500 employees at four sites across the country. Bridgewater Interiors prides itself on being a goal-oriented organization that promotes and recognizes the dedication of its employees. To promote high morale amongst its employees, Bridgewater's leadership team has created a work environment that is responsive to employee concerns, creates an open-door policy for access to senior management and that strives to recognize employees for their contributions to their organization's success. In support of its commitment to the ongoing training of its workforce, Bridgewater Interiors provides its employees with a tuition reimbursement program for college studies. Given these commitments to product quality and its employees, it is little wonder that Bridgewater Interiors has been named one of Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for by the 101 Best and Brightest organization. As the leader of a certified Minority Business Enterprise, Bridgewater Interiors' President and CEO, Ron Hall, Sr. has been committed to supporting diversity both within his company and the manufacturing industry. As a result of his commitment to the principles of diversity, Mr. Hall effectively leveraged his leadership at Bridgewater Interiors to hone the organization and mission of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council--now one of the premier minority business organizations in the country. In addition to his work within the manufacturing industry, Mr. Hall serves as the Vice President of Minority Business Development at New Detroit, Inc., the nation's first urban coalition, as well as taking a leading role at other local organizations, including the American Diabetes Association of Michigan, Southeastern Michigan Junior Achievement and St. John's Hospital of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent some of the brightest and most innovative individuals and companies in our nation--individuals like Ron Hall, Sr., his leadership team and the employees of Bridgewater Interiors. I congratulate Mr. Hall and the employees of Bridgewater Interiors on their recognition as the 2013 Minority Manufacturer of the Year and I look forward to their continued success as we build the future of the American manufacturing industry.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to Michigan's Fourteenth Congressional District, as they gather to celebrate their One-hundred-and-sixth Anniversary. Founded in 1908, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) was the product of a small and dedicated group of African-American college students from Howard University who sought to make the college experience as meaningful as possible for themselves and the generations of young women that followed them. Together, this group of pioneers created our nation's first historically African-American sorority and set out upon a journey to promote and encourage high scholastic achievement, strong ethical standards, improved friendship among college women, as well as to identify and develop solutions to issues that prevented young women from accessing higher education. With the motto of ``Service to All Mankind,'' the sorority quickly took root in campuses and communities across the United States. In the early years following its inception, the members of AKA engaged in endeavors that both assisted with access to and maximizing of the higher education experience for women of color. By the time AKA celebrated its Twenty-fifth Anniversary in 1933, the sorority had grown into a national organization with over 500 members in 104 chapters from across the United States. Among AKA's first achievements were the creation of a $2000 scholarship to increase the ability of talented young women to financially afford college and an engagement with the NAACP to remove social barriers that prevented equal access to college education. As the decades passed, AKA continued to expand both its membership and the scope of its community programs. In support of their sorority's mission to make higher education more accessible, the members of AKA took frontline roles in the Civil Rights movement and the President Johnson's War on Poverty. In addition to its Emerging Young Leader Initiatives, which provides middle school aged girls with leadership development and enhanced academic opportunities, AKA and its members began to tackle issues of community health, poverty and environmental justice. To support healthier communities, AKA started an asthma prevention program to help families identify and treat childhood asthma before it impacts the educational experience. In fulfillment of AKA's mission, its members undertook the creation of programs to empower their communities with information on the impact of environmental issues affecting them, setup health care forums targeted to women's issues and continue to partner with international leaders like UNESCO to end hunger and poverty across the globe. Today, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a thriving global organization with over 200,000 members worldwide across hundreds of chapters and has affected the future of thousands of young women. AKA's members have been part of key social movements that have seen our nation and the world move closer to equality on all fronts. I thank the members of the Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for their tireless dedication and service to Greater Detroit region and congratulate them on celebrating another great milestone in their history. I am proud to represent so many strong and talented Alpha Kappa Alpha women and I wish them well in their future endeavors as they continue making a remarkable impact on communities around the world.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because thousands of folks in my home State of Michigan are looking for work, and Washington is making their job search much harder. The failure of Congress to find common ground to extend unemployment insurance is shameful when so many families are desperately trying to make ends meet while struggling to find work. Tomorrow Congress will leave for a 10-day recess while another 100,000 Americans lose their lifeline and will be left out in the cold. This is simply unacceptable. I am circulating a letter calling on Speaker Boehner to cancel this recess until unemployment insurance is extended. Over 90 of my colleagues have already signed on, and we are all prepared to stay in Washington to get this done. Extending unemployment benefits has a proven economic return. It is the right thing to do for Michigan families, for families all across our country, and for our economy. The clock is ticking. Let's cancel this recess now and get to work.