Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and service of James G. Scharret, City Administrator for the City of Southfield, who passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2014. Mr. Scharret, or Jim as he was known to friends and colleagues, joined the city nearly forty years ago on December 10, 1974, as a research analyst and steadily moved up in the ranks. He became director of management and budget in 1982, deputy city administrator/fiscal services director in November 2004 and acting city administrator in November 2006. He was officially appointed to the post of city administrator in January 2008. Jim held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. He was well-known for his work ethic, which included being a constant presence in city hall. As the city administrator, Jim approached his responsibilities with both pride and professionalism. He was particularly mindful of the need for sound fiscal stewardship and took the city's fiscal responsibility very seriously. Under his leadership, Southfield was recognized on many occasions for its sound financial outlook. Of his many accomplishments, Jim was especially proud of leading Southfield through a period of economic difficulty; the city saw its tax base decline by 40 percent but services were maintained without any city employee being laid off. In addition to running the day to day operations of the city, Jim served on the boards of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Local Development Finance Authority. In each of these roles, he worked hard to further the city's vision of a vibrant and prosperous Southfield--approaching them with the same dedication that has endeared him to Southfield's residents, business leaders and elected officials. Mr. Speaker, as a former city councilman, I know first-hand how communities benefit from dedicated administrators. Jim's decades of dedicated service to the residents of Southfield is a testament to his character and I know that his leadership will be missed by all who are connected to the Southfield community. I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Carolyn and their family. They can be proud of the example Jim set for all those who choose to serve their community.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly) for his comments and certainly for his support of what I think is a very practical, commonsense bill that deals with an issue that we need to address. And I think it is very encouraging to see us come together in a bipartisan way to deal with this issue in a very commonsense approach. With that, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 724; and I would like to start off by thanking the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta) for his leadership on this issue and for his willingness to work with me in writing this bill. This legislation is simple and straightforward. It cuts red tape for small businesses and allows auto dealers to focus on selling cars and creating jobs, not unnecessary paperwork. This bill also benefits consumers. It is one less piece of paper when buying a car, so consumers can focus on what is really important to them, and that is their purchase. When I came to Congress in 2009, it was a very dark period for our entire economy but particularly for the auto industry. I will never forget the meeting I had during that time with Chrysler's CEO and his management team. They told me that they were not only weeks away from bankruptcy, but that without access to government loans, they would not have the resources to reorganize and would have been forced to liquidate the company. A liquidation of any of the major auto manufacturers would have wreaked havoc on the supply chain and dragged the entire industry down with it, eliminating millions of good-paying U.S. jobs. My State of Michigan has helped build our Nation's middle class. Our history is proof that you cannot have a strong middle class without a strong manufacturing sector, and you cannot have a strong manufacturing sector without a thriving auto industry. That is why I was proud to fight for Michigan workers and middle class families and our auto industry to secure the loans that they needed to weather this economic storm. Fast forward to today. Our auto industry is now driving our economic recovery and paving the way to rebuilding our middle class. Vehicle sales are at the highest point they have been since May of 2007; and vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are ramping up production, hiring more workers, and investing in innovation. That is why it is critical that Congress continue to support our auto industry and our middle class. I am glad to work with the gentleman from Ohio, Congressman Latta, on a commonsense solution to eliminate outdated and unnecessary burdens on small businesses. Auto dealers should not have to provide additional paperwork confirming that a vehicle complies with the Clean Air Act since every new vehicle entering the market already meets that standard. Compliance with the Clean Air Act is certainly very important, but redundant paperwork just slows down our small businesses and our consumers. Auto dealers are upstanding community citizens. They sponsor Little League teams, scholarships, and volunteer their time to help others. Dealers provide significant value and expertise when consumers want to purchase a new car or truck and work to make financing a vehicle affordable. Today's new vehicles feature innovations ranging from safety technology that makes our roads safer for all of us to infotainment packages that provide convenience and an enhanced riding experience, features that knowledgeable dealers play a very important role in educating the car-buying public about. So I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 724 to end this outdated burden on the small businesses that can be found in every community in our country. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Fay Beydoun on her recent induction into the International Institute Foundation's Heritage Hall of Fame. Each year, this honor is given to just a few individuals in the State of Michigan whose work within our many ethnic communities has enriched the entire state and beyond. As a first-generation American, Fay understands the challenges that newly arrived immigrants face as they seek to become part of our great nation and achieve the American Dream. During her many years as a leader in Michigan's Arab-American community, she has brought individuals from across the Greater Detroit region together to advance social, political and economic causes that have enhanced the vitality of Michigan. And while much of her work has been in Michigan, Fay has also taken a lead role in developing the Arab-American business community, both nationally and internationally. In her current role, as Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, Fay leads the largest Arab-American business organization in the United States and oversees the support programs and services it provides to its more than 1,500 members, which span the gamut from small businesses to large multinational organizations. Fay's approach to her work is to focus on empowering entrepreneurs in our many minority business communities with the information they need to recognize and realize their goals. As part of her commitment to empower others, Fay has also served as Chief Operating Officer for the American Middle East Economic Affairs Committee (AMEEAC) since 2008, where she focuses on increasing economic relations between the United States and the Middle East. During her tenure in the leadership of AMEEAC, Fay brought together a wide array of stakeholders to form the TEJERA Global Development Center, an incubator and accelerator with a mission to promote entrepreneurship and exporting businesses in ethnic and minority communities. For the remarkable impact she has made on her community, Fay has been honored by the Michigan Women's Foundation with its Top 25 Women Making a Difference Award and by Corp! Magazine's with its 2011 Diversity Leader Award. In addition to her work promoting entrepreneurship within the Arab- American community, Fay has been a strong advocate for women in business. As a cofounder of the Arab American Women's Business Council, Fay brought together women leaders in business with the mission to ensure that minority women would have access to the network, tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in their commercial endeavors. Fay furthered her commitment to this mission when she brought together members of the American Arab Chamber to found its Women's Council to support women aspiring to be leaders in business. Beyond her professional pursuits, Fay has volunteered her leadership and experience with countless community organizations including: Global Detroit, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Culture Affairs, the ACLU of Michigan and Henry Ford Community College--all with the goal of supporting entrepreneurship in Michigan and building ties between the diverse communities of the Southeast Michigan region. Mr. Speaker, the commitment of leaders like Fay Beydoun is essential to ensuring the robustness of our communities. Her work has fostered greater cross-cultural dialogue and helped others to realize their part of the American Dream, which has greatly enriched the lives of many of my constituents. I congratulate Fay on this great affirmation of her work that she has received from the International Institute Foundation and I thank her for the many insights she has shared with me on local issues, as well as her unwavering dedication to building a strong and diverse Greater Detroit region.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the members of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as they celebrate the twenty-fifth year of service of the Delta Manor to the Greater Detroit senior community. Earlier this year, I was pleased to honor the members of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) as they celebrated their centennial and it is an honor that I now recognize the impact that the Detroit Alumnae Chapter is making on its community. As part of their commitment to their sorority and their community, the Detroit Deltas have undertaken a number of service projects and programs that have assisted residents with health, education and family issues. These programs include assistance to victims of domestic violence, mentoring youth, financial literacy seminars and organizing volunteer shifts at local homeless shelters. At the core of the Detroit Deltas' efforts are the principles of informing and empowering residents--providing critical support to them during moments of crisis. Like all of these programs, the Delta Manor, an affordable residential complex for seniors and disabled residents of the Greater Detroit region, was born from the determination of the Detroit Deltas to fill voids in services to their neighbors, wherever they exist. Started in 1988, Delta Manor opened to senior and disabled residents in 1989, and has been providing them with a safe and supportive home. As part of its commitment to providing a high quality-of-life for its residents, Delta Manor offers a comprehensive set of activities, social gatherings and health awareness seminars that allow them to pursue their interests. In an effort to continue providing the best possible environment for its residents, the executive board of Delta Manor recently completed major upgrades to its facilities which included an update of the kitchens in all of its units, as well as renovating its computer lab and library. As the Delta Manor approaches a major milestone in its history, it reminds us of the difference that can be made when a group of determined and compassionate individuals seek to confront the challenges facing their friends and neighbors. The Detroit Deltas have a long and distinguished history of dedication to strengthening the Greater Detroit community, and I am proud to have many of them as my constituents. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Detroit Deltas of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s Detroit Alumnae Chapter on reaching this great milestone in their effort to assist seniors and disabled residents in the Southeast Michigan region. I am pleased to thank them for their service and I know they will continue to make a difference in the lives of others in the Greater Detroit community in the years ahead.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a temporary, one year extension of health care plans in the individual market. Although this bill isn't perfect, I believe it is important that Congress works together to give Michigan residents certainty and stability in their healthcare choices while the Administration works out the problems in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. I want to emphasize my support for health care reform. I voted for this important law in 2010, and have voted 40 times against efforts to repeal and dismantle health care reform. However, many of my constituents have called my office confused by the cancellation letters sent by insurers. Compounding this confusion is the ongoing technology glitches that are keeping people from signing up on the exchanges and learning about new options for health insurance. At a time when too many Michigan families are still struggling economically, it is important that we keep our promises that the law would allow you to keep your insurance and doctor if you want to. The President announced his plan to grandfather in health care plans that have been recently canceled, but I believe that Congress must also vote to support that decision legislatively. I believe that this temporary, one year extension of health care plans is necessary while people can get the information they need to make the right choices for their family on the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. I support the President's requirement to have insurers disclose better information about these grandfathered plans and new plans that might be available. That is why I also joined in sending a letter to Secretary Sebelius stating that we must require insurers to explain to policyholders what benefits they would be losing under the grandfathered plans, and the tax credits and subsidies they could be eligible for in the new insurance marketplace. We must ensure that insurance companies provide a clear explanation when any future changes to plans are not a requirement of the Affordable Care Act. As I have always said, I am willing to work in order to make improvements to ACA as they are needed. Clearly a fix is needed to ensure that people can keep their insurance if they like it. It is important that we work together to give certainty on this issue, and Congress should pass a bipartisan bill to achieve this goal.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with the members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to celebrate the centennial anniversary of their brotherhood, which is bound together under the ideals of scholarship and service. When it was founded by A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse and Charles I. Brown at Howard University in the early days of 1914, Phi Beta Sigma was envisioned as a fraternal organization that would seek an inclusive membership of meritorious young leaders. Together the founders sought to build a brotherhood committed to serving the communities in which they were raised--empowering residents and bringing together friends and neighbors to create positive change. One-hundred years later, Phi Beta Sigma has grown into a thriving international fraternal network, with hundreds of collegiate and alumni chapters and an impressive list of accomplishments. In the early part of the Twentieth Century, its members answered the call to serve their nation in the face of unprecedented challenges--fighting bravely in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I and World War II. Phi Beta Sigma's members were at the forefront of the Harlem Renaissance, an incredible resurgence of the unique and rich cultural contributions African- American communities have made to our country. During the Great Depression, Phi Beta Sigma worked to ensure that a college education remained an attainable goal for America's African-American community by offering scholarships. And during the 1950s, members of Phi Beta Sigma were among the individuals leading the charge for Civil Rights in Selma, Alabama, and across the nation, including my distinguished colleague, Congressman John Lewis. As a Member of Congress from the Greater Detroit region, I have the privilege of representing many Phi Beta Sigma members of the Alpha Alpha Beta Sigma, Nu Alpha Sigma and Xi Beta Sigma alumni chapters in the Greater Detroit area, as well as several collegiate chapters across the Southeast Michigan region. In their efforts to fulfill the mission of their brotherhood, they have supported organizations like Forgotten Harvest that rescue and redistribute food to organizations that assist food insecure families in Michigan, been mentors to young men in the Big Brother program and the Boy Scouts of America, and assisted seniors with maintaining their households. Furthermore, they have undertaken endeavors that support HIV/AIDS education and awareness, created scholarship programs to increase access to higher education and that have increased the quality of living in communities across the Greater Detroit region. Most recently, Phi Beta Sigma has been at the front of a campaign to eliminate hazing in fraternities and sororities across our country. In addition to the greater local chapters of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in the Southeast Michigan area, I also extend my congratulations to the Epsilon Tau Sigma, Pi Rho Sigma and Zeta Gamma Sigma alumni chapters, as well as the many collegiate chapters that serve other communities across Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to congratulate the Michigan members of the Phi Beta Sigma as they celebrate their centennial with their brothers from around the world. In one-hundred years, they have given rise to leaders that have been at the forefront of shaping our nation in the defining moments of the Twentieth Century and engaged in countless service projects that have increased the vitality of communities around the world. I know they must be very proud of this incredible milestone in their organization's history and I wish them many years of continued success in their service to our communities.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the staff, students and alumni of the Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce in Detroit as they gather to celebrate its Fortieth Anniversary of service to the community. In 1973, Reverend Betty E. Pulliam and Ms. Freddie M. Lindsey-Payne recognized a growing need in their community--an educational institution whose focus was to provide its students with employment- ready knowledge and skills. In response to this need, Reverend Pulliam and Ms. Lindsey-Payne founded the Payne-Pulliam School which offered a business education in a small class with an individualized learning environment. As the educational needs of the Greater Detroit community have changed over the last four decades, the Payne-Pulliam School has adapted to meet that demand. Today Payne-Pulliam offers its students assistance with GED preparation, job readiness education and personal development classes. The focus of its dedicated education professionals is to aid their students in their journey to rebuild themselves and their skills. As part of this commitment, Payne-Pulliam provides its students with extensive support in job placement, counseling and training. In 1997, the leadership of the Payne-Pulliam school furthered this commitment by partnering with Michigan Works and the City of Detroit Employment and Training Department. Each year, as part of its community outreach initiatives, the Payne- Pulliam School hosts its annual Door Opener's Awards event, where students, alumni, educators and community stakeholders come together to recognize individuals who have assisted the School in its mission to provide important education and skills development to the residents of the Greater Detroit region. It is fitting that in this milestone year for the Payne-Pulliam School its founders will be recognized as Door Openers--for their decades of dedication as professional educators and leaders in the endeavor to make education available to all the residents of Southeast Michigan. For both Reverend Pulliam and Ms. Lindsay-Payne, their commitment to education extends far beyond their work at their school as they have been leaders in many other community organizations that are working to increase the accessibility to education in the Greater Detroit region. Mr. Speaker, access to a quality education is a central component in the continuing success of the Greater Detroit region and other communities across our nation. I congratulate Reverend Pulliam and Ms. Lindsay-Payne on this great milestone in the history of the Payne- Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce and I congratulate its staff, students and alumni on their continuing efforts to ensure that the future of Michigan remains bright.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the christening of the USS Gerald R. Ford, CVN 78, the first in a new class of supercarriers. The ship will be officially Christened November 9th by the former President's only daughter, who is the ships sponsor, at Newport News Shipyard in Virginia. It is a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of our 38th President that this new ship, which will be the most powerful warship to ever sail the seas, carries his name. The USS Gerald R. Ford is over 1100 ft long, has a flight deck of approximately 4 acres, displaces 100,000 tons with a complement of 4,660 Sailors. It is a magnificent vessel which will serve the nation for the next 50 years; proudly carrying the name of our former President from my home state of Michigan. As a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I know that this upcoming ceremony will be a great day for our nation, this House where President Ford served for 25 years, our Navy, and the State of Michigan as a favorite son is afforded his rightful place in naval history. The USS Gerald R. Ford is scheduled to enter active service to the Navy in 2015 after completion of construction by our friends the master shipbuilders in Newport News, VA.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of St. George Orthodox Church of Troy's Centennial to congratulate Reverend Joseph Antypas and the congregation on this great milestone in the celebration of their faith. The Greater Detroit community is a region that mirrors the United States, both in the cultural diversity of it residents and their commitment to the American values of equality and freedom. A century ago, newly arrived Orthodox Christian immigrants from Lebanon and Syria came to the Greater Detroit to share in the American Dream, an opportunity for their families to freely observe their faith and access their full potential. When they arrived, they joined the American work force and began the hard work necessary to secure a brighter future for their children. As an important part of establishing their community and families in their new homeland, they founded the St. George Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America in 1913. Just a short time later, the parishioners of St. George laid the cornerstone for their church in Detroit. Named in honor of the Great Martyr George, a staunch defender of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian faith, the Church has been an integral part of the community, allowing its members to continue their traditions and pass them along to future generations. Over the course of its existence, the sanctuary of St. George has called several different sites in the Greater Detroit area home in an effort by its leaders to house an ever expanding congregation. As the congregation has prospered, it has undertaken many different outreach initiatives, designed to support new congregation members and the broader Southeast Michigan community. Under its current leader, Reverend Joseph Antypas, the congregation of St. George has continued to thrive and moved its current home in Troy in 1994. In 2005, to better serve the community, the leaders of St. George oversaw the construction of a youth education and activities center that will allow younger church members to fully explore and develop their abilities. Furthermore, the Church has been instrumental to its members' continued welfare as our nation has faced the challenges of a difficult economy. It is a testament to the strength of the congregation of St. George that its members will also be celebrating the burning of the mortgage for its current home in Troy while they are celebrating its centennial. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to again congratulate Reverend Antypas, as well as the other leaders, and congregation of St. George Orthodox Church on achieving this great milestone in their community and in the celebration of their faith. I know St. George will continue to serve its members and community well and I wish its leaders and congregation success in their future endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the leaders and residents of Oak Park, Michigan as they celebrate the completion of their city's new City Hall and the renovation of its community campus. With its village charter approved in 1927, Oak Park was created from a 5.5 square mile part of southwestern Royal Oak Township in Oakland County as a community determined to make a bright future for its residents. From early in its existence, residents of Oak Park were bound by a strong pride for their community and gave freely of their time and energy to ensure its success. While the residents of Oak Park struggled with many of the same challenges that affected our entire nation during the Great Depression, they rose to overcome those obstacles and incorporated as a city in 1945. After its incorporation, Oak Park quickly grew during the post World War II boom--becoming a home to America's growing middle class and small businesses. The City of Oak Park is a community that embodies the incredible diversity of the Southeast Michigan region and has a rich history that had added so much to the Greater Detroit area. Many middle class families moved to Oak Park in the booming 1950s and opened up businesses, and many, like Koepplinger's Bakery, grew to develop regional notoriety. Over the decades, Oak Park has held true to the dreams of its founders--a tight-knit community where families would raise their children, entrepreneurs can start their own businesses and a place that its residents are proud to call their home. As a city that has focused on providing its residents with a high quality-of-life, the completion of the Gerald E. Naftaly Municipal Complex will ensure that Oak Park is able to continue providing top- quality service to its residents. Named after former Mayor Jerry Naftaly, who served in office for twenty years and was elected as a City Councilman for fourteen years prior to his tenure as mayor, the renovated community campus will provide residents with expanded public safety services, expanded library access and a modernized community center. The expansion, in addition to the new City Hall facilities, also includes upgrades to Oak Park's Rothstein and Victoria parks. The completion of this project is an impressive milestone in the city's history, one that fully leveraged resources of our federal, state, county and local governments to finish the project approximately $300,000 under budget. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mayor Marian McClellan, City Manager Erik Tungate, the City Council and the residents of Oak Park on the completion of this expanded community campus that will offer them improved service and further enhance their quality-of-life. I have no doubt they must be proud of this achievement and I wish them success as they continue to strengthen their city for future generations.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as B'nai B'rith International celebrates 170 years of advocacy and leadership in support of the security of Jewish people around the world, including the Jewish State of Israel, and to recognize its local chapter for the Great Lakes region. When it was founded in 1843, the members B'nai B'rith set out to create a support network for newly arriving Jewish immigrants in the United States. Among its first actions, B'nai B'rith created an insurance policy to provide members' widows with resources to cover the cost of funeral services and a weekly stipend for the remainder of their lives. It also provided a stipend to each member's children and assured male children that they would be taught a trade. From these initial programs, which were an immediate response to the living conditions of Jewish immigrants in New York, B'nai B'rith rapidly grew, with many fraternal lodges and chapters in the United States and around the world. As it grew, B'nai B'rith quickly became involved in international affairs which became necessary to respond to rising anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe. As part of its response, the United States opened its first Consulate General in Romania, expanding the reach of American diplomacy. From this initial foray into foreign policy, B'nai B'rith has developed into a global voice for the safety and security of the Jewish people and their homeland. In addition, to its international initiatives, B'nai B'rith has cultivated and maintained a number of programs to address the changing needs of the Jewish American population. As the Jewish population in the United States has aged, B'nai B'rith has responded to the needs of seniors, opening its first senior residence in 1971 which has grown into an international network of forty residences worldwide. The array of services offered by B'nai B'rith now includes programs for youth, seniors, humanitarian aid and young professionals, as well as programs that are designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue. In the Great Lakes region, we are fortunate to have an active and dedicated local chapter of B'nai B'rith which is celebrating its 156th year of service to communities across the upper Midwest. Among the local programs it supports are scholarships for college-bound students, Project H.O.P.E. to provide special kosher food to seniors and community members in-need during Passover, and countless cultural events that share the richness of Jewish traditions with the community at-large. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the outstanding advocacy and leadership that B'nai B'rith has displayed in the last 170 years on behalf of the Jewish people and the Jewish State of Israel. I am further pleased to congratulate B'nai B'rith's local Great Lakes chapter for its incredible work, not only as a leading voice for the Jewish community of the Greater Detroit, but as an important partner that enables cross-cultural dialogue that strengths the region. I congratulate all of my friends in the Great Lakes chapter of B'nai B'rith and I wish them success as they continue to be a clear and passionate voice for the Jewish communities in the Midwest and around the world.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Macon-Thomas Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen as its members and the Greater Detroit community gather to honor its founders and celebrate another successful year. As the end of the 1930s approached, America faced unprecedented challenges in our nation's history--recovery from the Great Depression and the looming specter World War II--which threatened the values that all of us hold dear. The greatest generation responded to these threats with selfless sacrifice and unwavering determination to protect our country. The Tuskegee Airmen are a shining example of our greatest generation, rising above the divisions of that time to answer the call to serve their fellow citizens. The Tuskegee Airmen fought with the honor and valor becoming of any soldier in the United States Armed Forces and demonstrated that our differences pale in comparison to our shared ideals of equality and democracy. The record of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II is exemplary and they were often on the front lines protecting American bombers to ensure they would be able to complete their missions. The Tuskegee Airmen were at the forefront of so many important events in our history--as fighter escorts for American bombers, as trailblazers in the efforts to integrate the United States Armed Forces, and as leaders in the Civil Rights movement that followed their return from World War II. Their determination and hard work paved the way for great steps forward in the endeavor to ensure that all Americans are treated and protected equally under the law. In the Greater Detroit region, our local chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is named after Captain Richard D. Macon and Lieutenant Colonel Donald C. Thomas, Jr.--two men who embodied the courage and tenacity of the American spirit. Their bravery not only secured our nation from harm and precipitated an incredible expansion of rights in our nation, but their determination to ensure continuing progress has led to a strong local chapter that has preserved the history of their achievements and inspired future generations of Americans from every community and ethnicity across our land to pursue a future in aviation and aerospace industries. Furthermore, the Macon-Thomas Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen undertakes many programs that also help youth develop and hone their leadership skills to empower as a force for positive change in our society. Mr. Speaker, the bravery, courage and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen are an inspiration to all of us who heed the call to serve our country. Their actions paved the way for great steps forward in our country's history and I am proud to honor the local Macon-Thomas Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I congratulate its members and supporters on another year of great accomplishments and wish them continuing success in their future endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to once again recognize the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, this time on the occasion of its Seventy-fifth Anniversary of service to the residents of the Greater West Bloomfield community. Just two years ago, I was honored to recognize the Library as it was awarded a National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an award given to only five libraries each year and which is the top honor that can be bestowed upon a public library. The residents of West Bloomfield Township and its neighboring cities are fortunate to have access to this great educational and community resource. What began as a small project by the Keego-Cass Women's Club in 1934 has grown into a library system with a 63,000 square feet state-of-the-art main branch and a satellite branch in the Westacres subdivision that serves residents in the northern area of the township. Public libraries occupy a vital function in our communities; they equalize the access to information, making it accessible to everyone in the areas they serve. The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is an exemplary institution that embodies this important role--providing computers to assist residents with job searches, helping seniors with Internet access, implementing outreach programs that provide residents with opportunities to build important life skills, and creating programs that foster a lifetime of literacy and love of reading in our children. For the Greater West Bloomfield community, its library has been an important part of its residents' lives--providing programs that help them attain the American Dream. For children, the Library has created its Grow Up Reading program, which works with youth from birth to the elementary school years and partners them with a family member, childcare providers or educators to cultivate literacy skills that will assist them later in life as they grow and join the American workforce. As part of its commitment to the newcomers to our nation, the Library offers English as a Second Language discussion groups that assist them on their journey to become Americans. For students, the library assists them with preparation for SAT, ACT and AP exams by providing physical and electronic study materials. And to help all residents, the Library offers career empowerment classes that help them hone their job skills and increase their ability to obtain employment. Mr. Speaker, I am truly proud to celebrate and recognize this award- winning community institution that continues to make a positive impact on the lives of all residents in the Greater West Bloomfield community. Seventy-five years is a great milestone in the Library's service to its community and I congratulate its staff and trustees on all of the accomplishments they have made in fulfillment of its mission. I know their passion, their advocacy and their determination to will continue to result in future generations of West Bloomfield residents that possess a lifelong love of reading and I wish them success in the Library's future endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cantor Samuel Greenbaum and his wife, Mona, on the occasion of their fortieth year of service to the members of Congregation Beth Shalom. As a leader at Congregation Beth Shalom and in Greater Detroit's Jewish community, Cantor Greenbaum has been present for thousands of Jewish Michiganders at every stage in their lives. Throughout his decades of service, Cantor Greenbaum has been involved in every facet of Beth Shalom's community. From his mastery of the liturgy at religious services to his lessons as a teacher of Jewish education for members at all periods in their lives, Cantor Greenbaum has approached his work with a thoughtful balance of compassion, levity and pastoral care that have enabled him to effectively guide members of his congregation on their lifelong journey in establishing a deep and meaningful connection with their faith. One of his most important responsibilities is the commitment he makes to Jewish boys and girls as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor--serving as a key advisor to the youth as they take on increased responsibilities in the Jewish community. Furthermore, it is not surprising that Cantor Greenbaum's profound enthusiasm for his faith has led him to work that goes beyond the congregation of Beth Shalom and affects the broader Jewish community in Southeast Michigan. As one of just a few certified mohels in the Greater Detroit region, Cantor Greenbaum has been instrumental to thousands of newborn boys as they enter the covenant of Judaism and has taken part in the naming ceremony for thousands of newborn girls. He has been with families at moments of great joy, officiating countless weddings, and been of comfort to families while mourning the loss of loved ones. In recognition of his service to the Jewish community, Cantor Greenbaum was honored with an honorary Doctorate of Music degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary. As is often the case for spiritual leaders, Cantor Greenbaum is joined in life by his dedicated partner Mona, who mirrors his compassion and commitment for the well-being others. Mona has supported Beth Shalom through her work as a teacher in Jewish Day School and in the public school system. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mona and Cantor Samuel Greenbaum on this tremendous milestone in their service to Congregation Beth Shalom and the Jewish community of Greater Detroit. For forty years, the Greenbaums have practiced compassion and dedication to their congregation and community--a shining example of service above self for all of us that seek to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the congregation of New Liberty Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan as it celebrates seventy-five years of fellowship and service in its community. New Liberty was founded in 1938 by a small and dedicated group of Detroit residents who sought a local house of worship where they join together in spiritual fellowship with their neighbors. From its humble beginnings, the congregation of New Liberty has grown and prospered with increasing membership and more outreach programs. In its mission to serve the Detroit community, the congregation of New Liberty has called many sites home, but regardless of its location, the members of New Liberty have never wavered from their determination to help their friends and neighbors. In its seventy-five year history, New Liberty has had just four pastors: its first pastor, Reverend J.B. Coates; Reverend E.A. Rundless; Reverend J.L. Stevenson and currently, Reverend Maurice Stimage, Jr. Together with his First Lady, Renita, Pastor Stimage has been providing spiritual guidance and leadership to the congregation of New Liberty since his arrival in 2006. New Liberty has been dedicated to service, even when it requires sacrifice. Throughout its history, the congregation of New Liberty has not only worked to obtain a stronger spiritual bond, but also reached out into the Greater Detroit community to strengthen it and support residents that are in-need. To carry out its mission, the congregation has created many ministries that assist members and the broader community with a wide range of issues from bereavement and arts programs to youth empowerment and support of senior citizens. Through its commitment to service, the congregation of New Liberty has been able to impact the lives of so many people in Southeast Michigan and improved the vitality of the community. Mr. Speaker, over its seventy-five year history, the congregation of New Liberty Baptist Church has been true to the tenants of the Baptist faith and service. At a time when face such significant economic challenges, congregations like New Liberty are on the front lines, holding neighborhoods together and caring for the community at large. I congratulate Pastor and First Lady Stimage, as well as the congregation of New Liberty on achieving this great milestone in their church's history and wish them success as they continue to make a difference in the lives of others in the Greater Detroit region.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Oakland County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. as they celebrate thirty-five years of service to Southeast Michigan. Seventy-five years ago, Jack and Jill of America was founded by Marion Stubbs Thomas, a mother and concerned member of the Philadelphia community, who organized twenty other neighborhood mothers concerned about the well-being of their youth during the Great Depression. From a small community group, the Jack and Jill organization quickly grew to ten chapters by 1946, and today there are more than 220 chapters across the United States with over 30,000 members. For the last thirty-five years, the Oakland County Chapter of Jack and Jill has been an important part of the organization's infrastructure in Michigan, providing support to at-risk children and families. Over its three and a half decades of service, Jack and Jill's Oakland County Chapter has been a leading voice in the Greater Detroit region in the effort to promote the development of youth with a strong appreciation of good citizenship and community stewardship. Jack and Jill has achieved this goal through its support of programs that advance the virtues of social, cultural, educational, recreational and community service opportunities for youth. Specifically, as it creates projects that fulfill vital needs in the communities of Southeast Michigan, Jack and Jill carefully crafts those projects with service roles for both youth and their parents. Through the example set by their parents, youth are instilled with a deep appreciation for the value of helping their friends and neighbors. The programs that Jack and Jill's Oakland County chapter supports have had a profound impact on the communities of Southeast Michigan. Each year, Jack and Jill sponsors a blood drive with the American Red Cross that provides local health services organizations with a vital lifesaving resource. Jack and Jill has also brought in resources from the Jack and Jill Foundation that have enabled local Boys and Girls Clubs and the Pontiac Library to better serve their communities, as well as assist the Southfield Field Zone Leadership program and provide community prep courses for college-bound students taking the ACT exam. Additionally, Jack and Jill supports college-bound students with scholarships. Mr. Speaker, I am truly proud to have so many outstanding community organizations like the Oakland County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America in my district, and it is with great appreciation for its ongoing commitment to creating a better future for the Greater Detroit region that I congratulate its members on thirty-five years of service.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Credit Union ONE as its employees, executives, members and the communities it serves celebrate seventy-five years of operations. Over its seven-and- a-half decades of business, Credit Union ONE has remained true to its roots in the Southeast Michigan community. Credit Unions are important local financial institutions that know their neighbors and use their unique understanding to serve their communities with the tools that are necessary to grow and prosper. Credit Union ONE was founded in 1938 when fifteen neighbors in Ferndale, Michigan came together to create the Ferndale Co-Op Credit Union, and is a shining example of the strong connection credit unions have to the communities they serve. These concerned neighbors worked together with the shared goal of helping the neighborhoods of Ferndale thrive. With its strong roots in the Greater Detroit region, Credit Union ONE has grown to be one top ten credit unions in Michigan with over 106,000 members--a long way from its humble start in the basement of church in Ferndale. Over the years, Credit Union ONE has substantially expanded the services it offers to its members from its nineteen branches across Michigan, rising to meet their needs with a full range of financial tools to assist members with personal financial planning, home ownership, retirement and small business support services. The key to the success of Credit Union ONE has been its ongoing commitment as an active stakeholder in the well-being of its members and communities across Michigan. As part of its mission Credit Union ONE has partnered with local health care service organizations, including the nationally renowned Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute of Michigan, to support cancer care and research. Additionally, Credit Union ONE has hosted numerous free fraud/identity theft seminars and financially literacy sessions, as well as workshops for first-time homeowners and financial planning, for both its members and the broader community. As a further benefit to its members, Credit Union ONE offers a scholarship to college-bound high school graduates of their families which can substantially assist a student with the cost of higher education. Furthermore, as part of its dedication to the vitality of Michigan, Credit Union ONE was an official 2010 Census Partner, educating the public on the importance of responding to the Census to maximize the resources available to its community partners across the state. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Credit Union ONE for seventy-five years of successful operations across Michigan. Throughout its history, Credit Union ONE has been more than just a local member-based financial institution; it has been an important strategic partner for residents, small businesses, and local governments across Michigan that has worked with them to improve their quality-of-life. The success of Credit Union ONE is a success for Michigan, especially the Greater Detroit region where it is based, and I wish its members, employees, and its executive leadership many years of future success.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Allan Gilmour, the President of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, for his lifetime of service to the people of Michigan in both the public and private sectors. In August, Allan will be stepping down from the presidency of Wayne State, where he has been since his appointment as Interim President on January 18, 2011. In his more than two-year tenure as Wayne State's President, he has focused on transforming the school's position within the Greater Detroit community. Among his top initiatives have been to enhance the quality of education both in academic and practical settings, increase interdisciplinary research, and strengthen Wayne State's ties to Michigan's business community. Having worked in the private sector for many decades, Allan understands the significant connections between academic institutions that develop the leaders and researchers of the future and the business community that relies on the talent, innovative thinking, and dedication of young adults as they join the workforce. The construction of a state-of-the-art Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research Building, where researchers from the entire spectrum of natural scientific fields can interact to solve complex biological questions, is just the latest example of projects that have occurred under Allan's leadership. While Allan's work at Wayne State is impressive, it is just his most recent endeavor; prior to his tenure as Wayne State's President, Allen worked for Ford Motor Company for almost forty years. Allan's story is one of dedication and hard work, that saw him grow from a Financial Analyst when he joined Ford in 1960 to become Ford Motor Company's Chief Financial Officer from 1986 to 1987 and then again from March 2002 to July 2003. During his time at Ford he also served as its President from March 1990 to January 1993. In his leadership positions at Ford, Allan made a tremendous impact on an organization whose products are vital to continued economic vitality of our nation. Even with all of his professional success and the impact he has made on Michigan in his professional roles, nowhere has Allan's commitment to his neighbors, friends, and his state been greater than in his philanthropic endeavors. Currently, Allan serves a Chairman for the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, taking a leadership role in a non-profit that has invested substantial resources into the revitalization of the Greater Detroit region. Allan also serves on boards for the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Detroit Zoo, the Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Midtown Detroit. Each of these organizations is dedicated to improving the lives of Michigan residents and vitality of Southeast Michigan. With his experience and expertise, Allan continues to be a strong and effective advocate for the people, businesses and communities of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the profound impact Allan Gilmour has made on Michigan and, specifically, the Greater Detroit region. I am fortunate to count Allan as a friend, and even more fortunately as a trusted advisor. I wish Allan and his partner, Eric Jergens, well as he enters a new chapter in his life, and I know that he will continue changing the lives of Michigan residents for many years to come.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denso International America as it celebrates twenty-five years of operation. Two and a half decades ago, Denso opened the doors of its North American Headquarters and Technical Center in the heart of Southfield, Michigan, and became part of the business community in the Greater Detroit region. Founded internationally in 1949, the heart of Denso's business strategy is its work force, which it describes as a core element of its global organization. In its primary function, Denso believes that its first business is the development of people and from the development of people it achieves its goal of making products which improve the world. As a firm that is heavily invested in its work force, Denso seeks to ensure that it achieves excellence by encouraging its employees to harness their creative power and work cooperatively to achieve personal growth. With a commitment to its employees' development serving as the foundation of its organization, Denso is committed to creating high quality products for use in automobiles. The extent of Denso products to the automotive industry include radiators, driving control systems, fuel pumps, electronic fuel injection systems, and wiper systems, all manufactured with the principle of smaller, lighter and more efficient design. As its business has grown, Denso has dramatically increased its footprint in North America, bringing high skilled jobs to communities in Michigan, where it currently operates five major facilities, and across the United States, with twenty-five facilities in total. Denso's commitment to excellence for employees is one that it also extends into its own activities in the communities where it operates. On numerous occasions Denso has been cited as a model for implementing environmentally conscious policies, while creating manufacturing techniques that increase productivity. In 1993, Denso was recognized for its work by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a corporate leader in protecting the ozone layer with the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award. Just five years later, Denso voluntarily moved to ISO 14001 certification for its manufacturing in Michigan, choosing to adhere to a high standard of excellence to decrease its environmental impact. As further recognition of its efforts to be a good corporate partner and custodian to the communities it employs, Denso was awarded the EPA's Climate Protection Award in 2002. Denso's leadership has not only been recognized by the government, but also by many of its business partners. In 2012, it was recognized by Caterpillar as a Platinum Supplier and by John Deere with its Achieving Excellence Award. Over the last few years Denso has been recognized by each of the Big 3: Ford, General Motors and Chrysler for its outstanding work as a supplier to each of them. In addition to its recognition from its corporate partners, Denso has been recognized by communities that have benefited from the work of its foundation, which supports disaster relief and science education programs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Denso International America for twenty-five years of excellence in manufacturing, in leadership on being a corporate steward of the environment and on the tremendous impact it has made in each of the communities its facilities call home. I am honored to have such an outstanding company headquartered in my district, and I look forward to continuing my work with Denso to support advanced manufacturing techniques that will revitalize the economy of Michigan.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize that this is the first time Republicans have embraced that the Affordable Health Care Act is law and supported its implementation starting in 2014. By offering and supporting H.R. 2667, House Republicans are finally voting for the health care law mandates to be implemented a year from now. For too long, Congress has been brought to a level of inaction that is unprecedented. The gridlock has frustrated me as well as the hard working men, women, small business owners and middle class families in my district in Michigan. Instead of working toward solutions and fixing a broken health care system, House Republicans wasted time and resources voting 37 votes to repeal The Affordable Care Act wholesale. Without the health care law, families would continue to fear illness because getting sick could mean bankruptcy. Michigan's middle class can't afford to continue without changes to our health care system, and the Affordable Care Act goes a long way to solve these problems. Today, every Republican who casts a vote to delay the employer and individual mandates is voting to get the implementation of the Affordable Care Act right and implement the law in full starting in December 2014. The President has already granted businesses one more year to implement the health care law. Without offering Michigan families the same temporary, one-year extension without penalty, businesses lose the incentive to offer coverage one year from now because their employees have already purchased insurance in the interim. These mandates work best in tandem as they will in the coming years. I look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans to improve the transition to more affordable health care coverage for Michigan families and businesses when the law is fully implemented. The Affordable Care Act will help lower health care costs for women, ensure coverage for children with pre-existing conditions, and curb the overall cost of health care. That is why I voted for the Affordable Care Act, and that's why I am voting today to get this law implemented fairly and in a way that supports businesses and middle class families.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the harmful ``King Amendment'' to the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2217). I believe it will negatively impact Michigan's agricultural industry and hinder states' ability to maintain high dairy standards and to protect its citizens from livestock diseases and invasive pests. I am disappointed that the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture adopted the controversial King amendment and that floor amendments to strip this harmful provision were not allowed to be voted on by the full House The King Amendment precludes positive state regulation because it authorizes the federal government to nullify state laws and to change current animal welfare standards. I have consistently made animal protection a priority. In 2010, I co- authored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act that was later signed into law by President Obama. During my time in Congress I have supported and championed legislation aimed at protecting the welfare of animals. I will continue to fight to uphold ethical animal welfare standards. While I have deep concerns with the substance of the King amendment and a legislative process that barred full House consideration thereof, I believe it is critical to provide necessary resources to our agricultural producers in Michigan and across our nation. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to enact a farm bill that supports our agricultural industry while maintaining high animal welfare standards.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my longtime friend, Dr. Nazmul Hassan, as he is recognized by the Bangladeshi-American community in Michigan for his many years of stalwart guidance and leadership. Known to friends as Shahin, Dr. Hassan has been a strong voice for Bangladeshi-Americans, not just in Michigan, but across the United States of America. As an immigrant to our nation, Shahin is emblematic of one of the greatest strengths of our nation, our ability to bring the best and brightest from across the world. Before coming to Michigan, Shahin was a leader in his birth country of Bangladesh. His commitment to service is an ideal he learned at a young age, from watching his father, who was an educator and prominent elected leader in Bangladesh having served as a Member of Parliament for four terms. The value of service to the community is one that Shahin brought with him when he arrived in the United States as a student in 1991. Shahin later went on to earn a Masters of Science in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in 1996, and in 2011, he completed his Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University. In his professional work, he worked for both Delphi Automotive and Ford Motor Company. While his educational and professional pursuits are impressive, nowhere has his passion been felt more greatly than in his tireless advocacy for the Bangladeshi-American population. In his tenure as the President and Chairman of the Michigan Bangladeshi American Democratic Caucus (BADC), Shahin has worked within his community to organize its members and raise issues of importance to them in the public arena. His work has included assisting community members with a wide range of issues, from immigration to helping families in need obtain basic necessities. He has been a source of information for his community on pressing policy issues such as human rights, foreign affairs and health care. In particular, during the debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act he organized discussions within the Bangladeshi community to raise awareness of health care issues. In my time representing Michigan in the United States Congress, I have been fortunate to call Shahin a valued friend and trusted advisor. Thanks to his leadership, I have developed close relationships with Bangladeshi constituents and am honored to serve as a leader of the Bangladeshi Congressional Caucus in Washington, D.C. Shahin's passion for his community and his support of cross-cultural dialogue, both in Michigan and across the country, have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2011 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award from the Michigan Democratic Party. Mr. Speaker, our unparalleled ability to attract the best and the brightest from around the world and bring them to our country, where they make significant contributions to our future, is one of our nation's greatest strengths. Dr. Nazmul Hassan's life is an embodiment of the American Dream and for his work, our nation is a better place. I am grateful to both Shahin and his family for the many experiences they have shared with me and I wish Dr. Hassan well as he continues to represent the interests of Bangladeshi-Americans in his new endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the administrators, educators and students of Ealy Elementary School in West Bloomfield, Michigan as they gather to reflect on the 47 years the school has served the community. For nearly five decades, the education professionals of Ealy have been making an impact at some of the most important moments in children's lives. Opened in 1966 to meet the needs of a rapidly booming population in West Bloomfield, the faculty and staff of Ealy have diligently carried out the school's mission of providing an educational environment that creates a co-operative link between students' home, school, and community. As part of its mission, the educators of Ealy focus on providing each student with a uniquely challenging curriculum to unlock their fullest potential. This focus not only includes, a strong curriculum in the classroom, but also extends into initiatives and programs that reach students beyond the walls of the school. In the classroom, the teachers at Ealy have been committed to using technology to enhance the educational experience of their students. With classrooms equipped with the latest computers, Ealy has focused on creating an interactive educational environment for its students. Additionally, each classroom at Ealy features an interactive smart board that further improves the learning experience for its students. The school's commitment to employing technology in the learning process also provided its students with some unique educational opportunities, such as a direct connection to NASA which allowed them to communicate with astronauts during their missions. Furthermore the faculty and staff of Ealy Elementary understand how the development of good communications skills early in life is an important tool for youth as they develop into adults. As part of the school's commitment to honing this skill in its students, they are required to each complete and publish a non-fiction book annually. Beyond the walls of their classrooms, Ealy students are exposed to programs which engrain the importance of involvement in their community and world. Students have organized events that support our men and women in uniform, including adoptions of soldiers serving overseas and organizing care packages for entire units of soldiers. The educators of Ealy have also worked with their students to organize fundraising drives that have supported the victims of hurricanes and tsunamis, as well as create donations drives. Mr. Speaker, I commend the administration and faculty of Ealy Elementary for the dedication to their students--working day in and day out to ensure that each student has the opportunity to discover and unlock their full potential. Thanks to their hard work, and the support of their parents, Ealy alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to communities around the world. While Ealy may be closing its doors at the end of this school year, the spirit it has imbued in the community will live on as its alumni continue to make a difference in the lives of others and as its dedicated educators continue to impact new students in their future endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield 10 minutes of my time to the gentleman from North Carolina and a member of the Agriculture Committee, Mr. McIntyre, and that he be allowed to control that time.