Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 17, I was unable to be present to cast my vote on four matters before the House. Had I been present for rollcall No. 157, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 158, I would have voted ``aye.'' 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 ``no.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2217, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2014. I remain firmly committed to the security of the United States and the Department's mission of ensuring our communities are safe and secure from terrorism and other threats. However, I have serious concerns about a provision of this bill that cause me to be unable to support it. I am disappointed that the House adopted the controversial King amendment. This amendment offered by Representative Steve King will prohibit the administration from implementing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Children who were brought to the United States at a young age should not be penalized for the actions of their parents. These individuals, commonly referred to as DREAMers, may only know the United States and speak English. Deporting them to a country they may know nothing of, where they may not speak the language or know any relatives, is counterproductive to the principles that define our nation. I believe we need comprehensive immigration reform which addresses the issue of DREAM Act eligible youth and develops a framework for ensuring they can maintain a legal status in the United States. That is why, as a member of Congress who voted for the DREAM Act, I cannot support the King Amendment. While I agree with the necessity of providing adequate resources to the Department of Homeland Security, due to the inclusion of this unnecessary and controversial ban on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, I am unable to support the bill.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I now yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 634, the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2013. I'm proud to have coauthored this bipartisan legislation with my colleague, Michael Grimm. I appreciate his hard work on this important legislation and his willingness to work across the aisle. I would also like the thank our partners on the Agriculture Committee, Representatives Austin Scott and Mike McIntyre. We all worked together on this bill to keep costs down for families and small businesses for a wide range of goods and services like groceries, air travel, and autos. I would like to thank Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters for their support on this crucial legislation. While this bill improves financial regulation, this is truly a Main Street bill. Derivatives end users represent a broad cross section of businesses across our Nation, from farmers worried about the price of fertilizer to manufacturers concerned about fluctuating interest rates. Businesses in all of our districts use derivatives to ensure that they pay a reasonable price for the products they need and keep consumer prices stable no matter what happens in the financial markets. This bill is about protecting businesses across Michigan and the United States that rely on derivatives to responsibly manage risk. During consideration of the Wall Street Reform, there was bipartisan recognition that regulations to curb excessive risk taking in the financial sector should not stifle job creation in the agriculture or manufacturing industries. Michigan is a State that builds and grows things, and I will continue to fight to make sure that we always will be. Let me be clear: as a member of the conference committee that approved the final version of the Dodd-Frank Act, I can say with certainty that Wall Street Reform was not written or signed into law to hinder the hardworking folks building autos or growing apples. End users, companies that use derivative contracts to offset legitimate business risks, were specifically exempted from the clearing requirements, and Congress did not specifically direct regulators to require end users to post margin. Our bipartisan bill simply clarifies congressional intent that nonfinancial end users are exempt from the Dodd-Frank margin requirements. Forcing nonfinancial end users to post margin could have several negative consequences: unnecessarily increasing prices for consumers across a range of goods, slowing job growth here in the United States, and driving businesses to foreign, less transparent derivatives markets. Our bill passed the House last year with overwhelming bipartisan support because it is about protecting jobs and clarifying congressional intent, and it passed the House Financial Services Committee earlier this year, as we heard, with unanimous, bipartisan support by a vote of 59-0. This bill will ensure congressional intent to protect our manufacturing and agricultural industries is carried out. I look forward to this crucial legislation passing the House later today, and I urge my colleagues to support it. I will continue to work to get the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act signed into law. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time from the Financial Services Committee. I ask unanimous consent to allow the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre) from the Agriculture Committee to control the rest of the time.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many accomplishments of a great friend to me and an outstanding mentor to many--John David Dingell. In 1955, John Dingell assumed office after winning a special election after the passing of his father. During the years of his service he established a legacy as a courageous and principled leader. This was best exemplified by a vote early in his career to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. There were many who thought this vote would end his career. But John Dingell, despite the fact that the measure was then controversial and contentious, exemplified true leadership by voting to ensure equality for African-Americans. Mr. Speaker, it is this integrity and strong commitment to fair leadership that has led to a career full of accomplishment for the Dean of the House, and it is why his constituents have made him the longest- serving member in the history of the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Dingell has worked passionately to protect our environment. Throughout his career, he has passed landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and he did so by building broad bipartisan consensus. As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman John Dingell dramatically changed the way we view our environment by fighting for legislation preventing animal extinction, limiting air and water pollution and increasing wildlife conservation. In Michigan, I can confidently say we have all seen the benefits of Representative Dingell's work. He has been a consistent champion for our automotive industry--protecting thousands of jobs and ensuring that one of America's premier industries continues to grow. Our State cannot thank him enough for his tireless efforts. Every day he has served in Congress John Dingell has fought hard to strengthen our health care system and make it accessible for everyone. From his very first day in Congress, John Dingell has fought to pass the National Health Insurance Act that was championed by his father. In 1965, John Dingell presided over the House as it passed legislation expanding health care to millions of Americans and in 2010; he achieved his goal of affordable, accessible health care for all Americans with passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mr. Speaker, forever known as Mr. Chairman, I am honored to stand here today and call John Dingell my colleague. I look forward to more achievements from him in the years to come, and to our continued work creating a better future for our State of Michigan and our Nation.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize talented staff and dedicated volunteers of the Baldwin Center in Pontiac, Michigan, for the outstanding work they engage in every day to fulfill its mission to feed, clothe, educate and empower the disadvantaged residents in the Pontiac community. Like so many great community organizations, the Baldwin Center traces its foundation to people of immense compassion and faith, who have been committed to making a difference in their community. Created as an outreach program of the Baldwin Avenue United Methodist Church in 1981 to respond to increasing need in the community, the Baldwin Center has grown into a multifaceted, comprehensive human service agency that serves thousands annually. The Center's first programs provided children with food and recreation, but quickly expanded to include a soup kitchen, tutoring services and emergency shelter. In 2006, the congregation of Baldwin Avenue moved and the Baldwin Center remained at its current location, becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Over the decades it has served the Greater Pontiac Community, the Baldwin Center has significantly increased both the size and scope of the support it offers to area residents. Today the Center offers more than twenty-five different programs which fulfill its core mission, including programs that feed, clothe, provide educational enrichment for children and adults, and offer critical health care related services. Among its most widely used programs are its Clothing Closet which offered almost fifteen thousand low-income individuals and families access to clean clothing, sheets, blankets and other smaller household items, including victims of domestic abuse. Furthermore, in 2012, the Baldwin Family Soup Kitchen provided over eighty-three thousand meals to residents that are food insecure; include more than nine thousand children. However, its programs are not limited to just basic necessities; the Baldwin Center also offers a GED program, ESL classes and nutrition education sessions, as well as flu shots and blood pressure screenings. In the economic downturn, the Baldwin Center, like so many human service agencies across our nation, saw an increase in demand coupled with a decrease in funding. However, the fourteen staff under the leadership of Executive Director Lisa Machesky and the dedicated army of three thousand volunteers have not only risen to meet this challenge, but have continued to excel in providing vital services to Pontiac area residents who are in need. Just last year, the Center added a computer lab that offers adults access to the important resources they need to achieve success. Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Baldwin Center occupy a vital position in our communities. During our times of prosperity, they ensure that no one is left behind, and in times of economic challenge, they are on the front lines of holding families, neighborhoods and communities together. The impact the Baldwin Center has made on the lives of thousands in the Greater Pontiac area has enriched many neighborhoods. Again, I commend Lisa Machesky and her staff, as well as the thousands of volunteers, for the daily work they do to empower the entire community. Pontiac is a brighter city because of the Baldwin Center and I look forward to continuing our joint endeavors to empower all segments of the community to achieve success.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. I rise to urge my colleagues to reject this rule and reject H.R. 3. We've already seen the impact of tar sands oil in my district. Piles of petroleum coke three stories tall and a city block wide are sitting on the banks of the Detroit River. Pet coke, a byproduct of refining tar sands oil, is much dirtier than coal and is often sold to China. In Detroit, it sits uncovered and uncontained, waiting to blow into the air and water. These piles of petroleum coke are a blight on our communities and could pose a threat to the environment and public health. I offered an amendment to require a study on the environmental impacts of petroleum coke and other byproducts. This amendment was rejected by the Rules Committee despite the study's potential benefits to communities who may become host to their own piles of Pet coke. The bill--and the rule--is taking us in the wrong direction. Instead of selling dirty energy to China, we should be developing clean energy technology here at home. For these reasons, I cannot support the rule. And urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 3.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Herrington and his lifelong commitment to Greater Detroit youth. Known to many in the community simply as ``Coach'' Mr. Herrington has spent half a century helping those who have crossed his path. John Herrington distinguished himself as a standout student-athlete while attending Waterford Township High School, where he was President of his senior class and earned nine varsity letters in basketball, baseball, and football. Upon graduation he attended Central Michigan University where he played basketball and excelled in academics-- graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and his teaching certificate in 1962. While there, he met the love of his life and future wife, Fran--they were a team for 38 years until her passing in 2001. In 1963, John became the head junior varsity football coach at North Farmington High School. He taught and coached there for six years until transferring to the newly opened Harrison High School in 1970 to teach history and be the head varsity football coach. Mr. Speaker, Coach's overall football record is an astonishing 392 wins, 88 losses and one tie. He was also the Varsity baseball coach from 1971 to 2005, earning a record of 468 wins and 341 losses, along with 12 district championships, 4 regional titles and 2 state semi- final berths. Coach Harrison has won a record 13 Michigan High School Football Championships and 29 conference titles. In addition, he has helped hundreds of football players secure college football scholarships and seven of his former players have played in the National Football League. Mr. Herrington is well known for crediting his players and assistant coaches for his success; however, a list of awards honoring him includes: induction into both the Michigan and National Coaches Association Halls of Fame, National Football Coach of the Year, and runner up for the NFL's Shula Award for Outstanding High School Football Coach. Mr. Speaker, at the end of this school year John Herrington will retire from teaching. While coach Herrington's time as a teacher has ended; he will continue to be the head varsity football coach at Harrison High School. I would like to thank him for his many decades of selfless service as a teacher and wish him continued success as the head football coach at Harrison High School.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Detroit Historical Society as its members gather to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan. Founded ninety-two years ago, the Detroit Historical Society was formed with the mission of ensuring that the Detroit region's unique history and contributions to our nation are preserved for future generations. In 1928, the Historical Society founded the Detroit Historical Museum and has been the driving force behind the fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts that have been essential to its continuing operations. Just recently, in 2006, the Historical Society reclaimed responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Museum and its collections, which contain more than 250,000 artifacts. These artifacts not only showcase important pieces of Americana, but also remind us of Detroit's roles as a crucial center for American industrial innovation, a linchpin in the Arsenal of Democracy and a birthplace of uniquely American music, like Motown. In 2009, the Detroit Historical Society launched its Past>Forward Campaign, which has raised the resources necessary to expand the exhibits and educational offerings provided by the Detroit Historical Museum. This campaign is also the key source of support for the renovation of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which showcases the story of the Great Lakes and how they have impacted the development of Greater Detroit. Founded in 1949, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum provides visitors with an array of exhibits that highlight Michigan's rich maritime history, going back more than three hundred years. Among its permanent exhibits, the Dossin Museum allows visitors a chance to see the anchor of the legendary S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. When the Dossin Museum re-opens this month, thanks to the hard work of the Detroit Historical Society and its Past>Forward Campaign, it will include a new permanent exhibit titled Built by the River. Built by the River tells the story of the Detroit River and how this incredible natural resource has shaped the City of Detroit and the Southeast Michigan region, serving as the epicenter of a commercial and manufacturing revolution in the United States. Mr. Speaker, as a fifth-generation Michigander, I am proud of the work the Detroit Historical Society is doing to preserve and educate residents and visitors on the important role Detroit has played in our nation's history. I congratulate its members on the grand re-opening of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and look forward to our continued work together in the endeavor to revitalize Southeast Michigan.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today the House will consider H.R. 1406, inaccurately named the Working Families Flexibility Act. Instead of helping hard-working Americans earn an honest wage and more flexible work hours, this bill makes it harder on folks already struggling to make ends meet. The reality is that under this bill, workers will lose personal control over their schedule and their pay. In addition, the system this bill imposes is ripe for potential workplace manipulation and abuse. Under this bill, workers will not get paid more than 40 hours per week, no matter how much overtime they put in. Overtime earnings would become an interest-free loan out of workers' pockets. Workers' overtime pay will be held until the end of each fiscal year or allocated as time-off, all at the discretion of the employer. There is no guarantee in this bill that workers could even get the time off that they might need for a family emergency or doctor's appointment when they need it. Workers could even jeopardize their job security by refusing to go along with this new system. Mr. Speaker, in Michigan, we believe that hard work merits fair pay. We believe that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules should get a shot at the American Dream. Last year, the average Michigan household income was $43,970. Adjusted for inflation, this is the same as the average household in 1989. This bill makes it harder for people who are already working hard and playing by the rules to make life better for their family by not allowing them to decide what's best for them and their family. If they work more, they should get paid more. When I talk to folks in my district, I ask about the concerns they are raising around the dinner table. Michigan families worry about how to stretch work schedules and each dollar earned to meet the needs of their family. There is no part of that discussion where Michiganders want Washington to force them to sacrifice their personal decision- making about whether overtime pay or comp time is the right choice for them. Too many families in my district and across our country are still trying to recover from the worst economic crisis in generations. Why then, instead of working towards commonsense ways we can ease the financial burden on working families, is Washington forcing a personal decision to forfeit their overtime pay? Why is Washington dredging up deeply flawed proposals that have already been rejected time and time again? Now more than ever, we need ways to support our middle class so families in Michigan and across the nation can thrive. We can develop solutions that make raising a family easier for everyone. We have a lot of work ahead to rebuild our economy and strengthen our middle class, but this bill does neither.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, as a former Rotarian, I rise today to recognize the Pontiac Rotary Club as it hosts its twenty-sixth annual Career Day for youth in Pontiac, Michigan. Founded in 1922, the Pontiac Rotary Club has been serving the residents of the Greater Pontiac community for over nine decades. The core of its mission over the last ninety years has been to undertake endeavors that nurture and support the development of yout in the Pontiac community. In fulfillment of its mission, the Club has engaged a broad array of community stakeholders in public, private and non- profit organizations to create programs that provide youth with experiences that empower them to control their future. One of Pontiac Rotary Club's biggest annual programs, Career Day, provides middle school students in Pontiac a hands on opportunity to learn more about the career fields that pique their interests. This year, as part of Career Day, one-hundred students will have spent the morning of Thursday, May 2, shadowing professionals in their daily work routine. This experience provides the youth of Pontiac an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge that will shape their development into active adult members of their community. Furthermore, on the same day as Career Day, the Pontiac Rotary will host its annual Scholarship Luncheon for high school students. During this luncheon, several high school students will have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and awarded a scholarship that will help them in their journey to seek higher education. The programs of Career Day are just a couple of examples of the types of programming provided by the Pontiac Rotary Club. In addition, to Career Day and the Scholarship Luncheon, the Club runs a Student of the Month program for students in Pontiac schools which recognizes youth for outstanding achievements. With an eye in their community and beyond, the members of the Pontiac Rotary Club have also supported the Rotary International's program to cure Polio around the world and taken up initiatives that support clean water projects. Recently, the Pontiac Rotary has partnered with a sister club in Ecuador to implement a bio-sand water filter project that will provide cleaner water to that region. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the members of the Pontiac Rotary Club on occasion of its twenty-sixth annual Career Day and applaud the tremendous impact their work has had both in the Greater Pontiac community and in other communities around the world.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, due to an interruption in my travel to Washington, DC, I was unable to be present to cast my vote on three bills considered under suspension of the rules. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 129, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 130, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 131, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I am frustrated at the House of Representatives' failure to pass a realistic budget to stop the irresponsible across-the-board cuts that have caused more than 4,000 flight delays impacting hundreds of thousands of passengers over the past week. I voted against the sequester because it was a bad policy then and it is a bad policy now. Families in Michigan and across the country should not be penalized for dysfunction in Congress. Today, I am proud to have voted to end the crippling delays in our nation's airspace and support the jobs of 15,000 air traffic controllers who work hard to keep us safe all across this country. This bill gives the Secretary of Transportation the authority and flexibility to move funds within the FAA to minimize the disruption to our air transportation system. Although I am happy that our air traffic controllers can finally get back to work protecting our skies, this bill does nothing to solve the continuing negative impacts to women, senior citizens, small businesses and our children's education. It is time for us to take the responsible course of action to end this sequestration, find common-ground, and reach a final agreement on a bi-partisan budget that allows us to put teachers back to work in our schools, to give kids a jumpstart on education through Head Start, to help get people back to work, and to continue NIH research on critical diseases such as Alzheimers and heart disease. I call upon my colleagues to come back to the table and pass a bi- partisan, comprehensive budget agreement to replace the sequester.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Reverend Doctor Joseph R. Jordan, Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in Hamtramck, Michigan. On Sunday, April 28, 2013, Rev. Dr. Jordan is being recognized by the City of Hamtramck as it renames a portion of Caniff Street, one of its major thoroughfares, to honor his decades of service to the community. Rev. Dr. Jordan began his journey on the ecclesiastical path nearly forty years ago, when he left his lucrative career as an electrician to answer the call of service to God. Before joining the congregation of Corinthian, he served as Assistant Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit for six years. Since his ascension to the Pastorate of Corinthian, Rev. Dr. Jordan has held steadfast to his belief that the focus of his position is to help others. Through his dedication and passion to the teachings of his faith, Rev. Dr. Jordan has not only been a shepherd to his congregation, but a local community leader to the Detroit and Hamtramck communities as well. As the spiritual leader to his church, Rev. Dr. Jordan has focused his congregation on not only learning the lessons of their faith, but also taking action on those lessons to help the surrounding communities. Under his direction, members of Corinthian have instituted a bi-annual drive to procure and distribute clothing and household necessities to families in need, established a scholarship fund and organized a local neighborhood carnival where church members distribute school supplies to students. In further efforts to make his church a sanctuary to the community, Rev. Dr. Jordan has also opened Corinthian to the neighborhood's local chapter Alcoholics Anonymous, providing attendees a safe and welcoming space to meet. As a community leader, Rev. Dr. Jordan has extended his work beyond his role as the Pastor of Corinthian. Rev. Dr. Jordan ardently believes that all people should be treated equally and with respect. This is a belief he has fought for in his endeavor to expand access to quality healthcare as a trustee for the Henry Ford Health System. Additionally, Rev. Dr. Jordan has been a strong advocate for victims of housing discrimination, an endeavor he has been working on for decades. Mr. Speaker, for the last four decades Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Jordan has been a strong spiritual leader to his congregation and a passionate advocate for so many marginalized people in the Southeast Michigan community. His work has not only strengthened the vitality of the Greater Detroit region, but also communities across our Nation. I have been fortunate to have his advice and counsel and I join with his friends, family and the congregation of Corinthian Baptist Church to celebrate his impact on our region as a portion of Caniff Street in Hamtramck is renamed in his honor.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Bishop J. Drew Sheard of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit, Michigan, as his family, friends and congregation celebrate his ascension to the General Board of the Church of God in Christ. As the son of minister Bishop John H. Sheard, J. Drew Sheard accepted the teachings and salvation of Christ early in his life. He later heeded the call to the Ministry and was guided by his father to develop his leadership skills. The lessons he learned as he worked diligently in his local church are ones that he has carried with him in service to both the Greater Detroit region and the Church of God in Christ's international organization. Bishop Sheard was called to the Pastorate of Greater Emmanuel in 1988, a time of challenge for the congregation. Bishop Sheard immediately got to work, organizing and mobilizing the small but devoted membership of his congregation and as a result, the congregation began to grow significantly. As the pastor of Greater Emmanuel, Bishop Sheard has implemented a number of new and innovate programs, which include a TV ministry, an annual Youth and Women's Conference and Greater Emmanuel Men's Society. These programs more actively engaged the congregation in the community, strengthening the social fabric of the Southeast Michigan region. Bishop Sheard has also emphasized the importance of working with other denominations to provide programs that serve the community and offer support to those in need, which has earned him a reputation as a leader that is capable of building bridges within the Greater Detroit community. While serving as pastor to Greater Emmanuel, Bishop Sheard has also been an active leader in the larger Church of God in Christ (COGIC) organization. From 1997-2000, he served the COGIC as the president of its International Youth Department, where he worked with youth to create a peer mentoring program and developed programs for young men and women that promote strong education, bravery, discipline and spiritual development. In his current positions within the larger CGC organization, Bishop Sheard serves as Chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministries, Superintendent of the Emmanuel District and Administrative Assistance of the North Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, Bishop J. Drew Sheard's service as pastor to the congregation of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ and his leadership in the Greater Detroit region have done much to strengthen the community. I congratulate him on his elevation to the General Board of the Church of God in Christ and look forward to continuing to work with him to improve the quality-of-life and vitality of our community in Southeast Michigan and many other communities around the world.

Mr. PETERS of MIchigan

Mr. PETERS of MIchigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Richard Weiner, as he is honored by the Women's Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party for his decades of outstanding work on behalf of the State's residents. Rick has built a long and distinguished career, which spans nearly forty years, as a civil servant to the people of Michigan. Rick began his work in the public arena with former U.S. Congressman William Brodhead, where he served as a district representative, working with residents and local groups to find solutions that strengthened communities across the Greater Detroit region. Rick's career also includes service to one of Michigan's great statesmen, Senator Carl Levin, for whom he served as Director of Michigan Operations, where he assisted Michigan residents across the entire State. After serving as a key advisor to former Governor Jim Blanchard during his transition into office, Rick went on to serve as Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) for six years. During his most recently stint in the public sector, Rick served as Chief of Staff to Governor Jennifer Granholm from 2002 to 2005. Every day he worked in public service, Rick brought with him the passion to craft policy that supported a fair and just Michigan, where all residents would have the ability to reach their full potential. Outside of his work in government, Rick continued to fight for his ideals by founding and building Wiener Associates, a firm specializing in public policy advocacy. In addition to this work, Rick also teaches Election Law and Legislation as an Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University's College of Law. Throughout his career, Rick has been particularly focused on supporting the rights of women across Michigan. While serving as Chair of the MDP, he championed the Jefferson Jackson Day Women's Caucus Luncheon, an event that supports women's involvement in politics. In his daily work for so many elected officials, Rick fought to protect the rights of women to make vital decisions about their own lives. During his tenure in the MDP, Rick also took steps to increase support for electing more women to office across the State of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, involvement of bright and dedicated Americans in the political process, like Rick Weiner, is one of the great strengths of our Nation. For nearly four decades, Rick has taken a leading role to create a better future for residents in the State of Michigan and for his work, our future is brighter. I congratulate Rick on his recognition from the Women's Caucus of the MDP and look forward to our continued work in the ongoing task of securing a more prosperous future for our State of Michigan and our Nation.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Derrick S. McDonald on the occasion of his Fifth Anniversary as the spiritual leader of the congregation of Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan. As the son of the late Reverend Eddie McDonald, who was pastor to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for many years, Reverend McDonald grew up immersed in the teachings of Christ. It is hardly surprising that, like his father, Reverend McDonald would heed the call to serve his community. Reverend McDonald would continue to be involved in the congregation of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and after heeding the call to serve he joined the leadership at Friendship in 2002 as Gospel Minister under the late Reverend Dr. William Dulaney. In 2008, Reverend McDonald was called to serve the congregation at Prospect Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the congregation at Prospect has not only grown in membership, but has also developed a greater spiritual connection to the words of the Gospel. Reverend McDonald strongly believes that faith plays a central role in the transformation of lives, both within his congregation and the City of Pontiac. The lessons of love in his faith have also led Reverend McDonald to place considerable emphasis on ministries that are active in the Pontiac community, which focus on improving the quality-of-life for local residents. While serving as pastor, Reverend McDonald has supported church programs that have nurtured the youth of the congregation as they work to discover and achieve their full potential. His leadership and dedication have led Reverend McDonald to become a pillar of strength in the community and an example to others who seek to make a positive impact through the teachings of the Bible. For his commitment to his faith and his support of the Pontiac community, Reverend McDonald has been recognized by the Wolverine State Congress, Walter Cade Regional Workshop of the National Baptist Convention and the Crystal Lake District Congress Association, where he currently serves as Assistant Dean of the Crystal Lake Baptist District Association. Reverend McDonald's efforts, both at the pulpit and beyond, have been strengthened by the love of his wife, Barbara, and their children, Antonio and Jennifer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the profound impact that Reverend Derrick McDonald has made on the congregation of Prospect Missionary Baptist Church as its pastor of the last five years and the larger impact he has made on the Greater Pontiac community. I wish Pastor McDonald, his family, and the congregants of Prospect many more rewarding years of spiritual fellowship.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Daniel J. Navarre of West Bloomfield, Michigan, as he is honored by the West Bloomfield Optimist Club as its 2013 honoree. Each year, the West Bloomfield Optimist Club recognizes one of its members for their exceptional contributions to the community in fulfillment of the Optimist Creed. The Optimist Creed states that one will think of only the best, work for only the best and expect only the best. Known as Dan to his friends, Daniel Navarre has made this creed a central tenet of his work, both in the West Bloomfield community and beyond. His commitment to giving the best of himself to his work is a principle that he executed every day in his twenty years of work at Wayne County Parks and Recreation. After retiring from Wayne County as Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation in 1997, Dan brought the same level of passion and commitment to his friends and neighbors when he joined West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation in 1999. During his tenure, Dan has used his leadership position to advocate for and develop many projects that have improved the quality-of-life for Township residents. These projects include the development of Drake Sports Park, which has supported many local sports teams for youth and adults alike; and the redevelopment of Marshbank Park on Cass Lake, which has became a premier facility for the active lifestyle of Lakes Area residents. As part of his work on the Marshbank Park project, Dan was instrumental in acquiring the resources that allowed the Township to fully realize its vision of a space that could promote healthy living for local residents. These funds were also utilized by the Township to support the development of over six-and-a-half miles of multipurpose trails created from old rail lines. In addition to his work for the people of West Bloomfield Township, Dan has been an active member of the West Bloomfield Optimist Club for many years and served as its President from 2005 to 2006. While serving as President, Dan worked with other Lakes Area residents to found the Lakes Area Optimist Club, which serves the youth and residents of several surrounding communities. Under his leadership and participation the Club has continued its robust support of local youth through its Youth Appreciation Breakfast, Essay Contest, Oratorical Contest, College Scholarship Program and many other programs it plans year- round. Mr. Speaker, the strength and vibrancy of the communities we serve depend on the zeal and devotion of its residents to their friends, neighbors and our youth. Dan's service to the people of Southeast Michigan and his volunteer endeavors are a perfect example of this truth and it is fitting that he is being recognized by the West Bloomfield Optimist Club for his contributions that have encouraged the development of our youth and made the West Bloomfield community a better place to live. I wish Dan and the West Bloomfield Optimists many years of future success and look forward to continuing to work together in pursuit of our common goal to build a vibrant community that fosters a successful future for our youth.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James K. Wight, a resident of Michigan, for his volunteer leadership to the American Concrete Institute (ACI) headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, an organization whose work is fundamental to our nation's critical infrastructure, key to our economic competitiveness. As a Member of Congress, I am privileged and honored to recognize Dr. Wight for his leadership and lifelong commitment to this organization and to advancing concrete knowledge 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, the American Concrete Institute provides knowledge and information for the best use 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 by 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 318 Structural Concrete Building Code provisions. On April 18, 2013, Professor Wight will complete his service as president of ACI, the culmination of 40 years of volunteer service. Wight was named a Fellow of the Institute in 1984 and previously served on the ACI Board of Direction. He is a past Chair of the ACI Technical Activities Committee; ACI Committee 318, Structural Concrete Building Code; and Joint ACI-ASCE Committee 352, Joints and Connections in Monolithic Concrete Structures. He is a Past President of the ACI Greater Michigan Chapter. ACI has honored him with the Delmar L. Bloem Distinguished Service Award, the Joe W. Kelly Award, the Arthur J. Boase Award, the Alfred E. Lindau Award, the Chester Paul Siess Award for Excellence in Structural Research, and the Wason Medal for the Most Meritorious Paper in 2011. He has also received the Arthur Y. Moy Award from the ACI Greater Michigan Chapter for outstanding service in the field of concrete technology. Also of note, James K. Wight, who received his undergraduate education at Michigan State University, is the F.E. Richart Jr. Collegiate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. He has been a professor in the structural engineering area of the civil and environmental engineering department since September 1973, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes on structural analysis and design of concrete structures. Wight is known for his work in earthquake-resistant design of concrete structures. His more recent research has concentrated on the strength and inelastic behavior of connections in composite structures (reinforced concrete and steel) and the use of high-performance fiber- reinforced concrete composites for earthquake-resistant design of critical members in concrete structures. He has been involved with post-earthquake damage studies following earthquakes in Mexico, Chile, Armenia, Egypt, California, Japan, and India. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Dr. James Wight's leadership and service to the American Concrete Institute.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as they celebrate a century of sisterhood and service. Over the past one-hundred years, the members of Delta Sigma Theta have guided many young women through the transition to adulthood, instilling values that have allowed them to reach their potential as publicly active members in their communities. This enduring fellowship began on January 13, 1913, when twenty-two young women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. founded the sorority. Brought together in their shared life experiences, these young students envisioned an organization of women brought together in pursuit of promoting academic excellence, providing support to the underserved, and cultivating an interest and active involvement in public policy debates, with the goal of creating solutions to issues affecting their communities. As a testament to their dedication and leadership, Delta Sigma Theta continues its mission, serving communities and individuals all over the world. As a central tenant of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a deep passion for fighting for equity and equality is an ideal shared by its members. In keeping with this commitment, the sorority's first public act was to organize and march in support women's suffrage in Washington, DC. Many prominent community leaders have been proud to call themselves Deltas, includingCongresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a pioneer for women and African Americans in elected office. Following in Chisholm's success, Delta Sigma Theta member Congresswoman Barbara Jordan became the first women to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both of these Deltas, in keeping to their ideals and beliefs, used their public office to give a voice to those who were unable to be heard. As a Member of Congress from the Greater Detroit region, I have the pleasure to represent so many Delta Sigma Theta members in the Detroit Alumnae, Southfield Alumnae and Pontiac Alumnae chapters. Each of these chapters has a long and distinguished history of members doing their part to nurture future generations, shape the leaders of tomorrow and engage their communities in renewal and reaffirmation of citizenship. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the members of three dedicated chapters of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and I wish them another hundred years of success in fulfillment of their mission to create a more just world that allows our youth to realize their full potential.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize my friend, Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors as he and his congregation of New Calvary Baptist Church of Detroit celebrate his Fifteenth Pastoral Anniversary. Dr. Nabors has a distinguished and extensive record of leadership in the communities he has served over several decades as a spiritual minister. His work began more than 30 years ago when he joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church as its Youth Minister. In that position, he worked with the youth of the congregation to provide guidance at a pivotal point in their development. Dr. Nabors then served as a senior leader to two congregations in New Jersey before coming to Detroit and New Calvary in 1998. Throughout his career, Dr. Nabors has employed a philosophy of leadership by example in all facets of his life. As a believer in the teachings of Christ, he has sought to be an active participant in shaping a more just and fair society. In his professional work, as a case worker for The Children's Home Society in New Jersey, Dr. Nabors sought to guide youth in the development of their leadership skills and then find employment after they graduated. He then went on to serve as Executive Director for the Joint Commission on Civil Rights in Princeton, New Jersey, where he played a central role, developing programs that fostered sensitivity and understanding between residents of a diverse community. When he came to Detroit to lead the congregation of New Calvary, Dr. Nabors brought with him the same passion and zeal for strengthening his new community that he displayed earlier in his career. While serving as Senior Pastor of New Calvary, he has overseen the spiritual needs of his 600-member congregation and has held true to his vision of equality by hiring the congregation's first female assistant pastor and licensing its first female ministers. He worked with members to establish ministries that helped them explore arts, provide basic human necessities for the community and support people in times of grief. In his professional work, he has continued to hold true to his faith through his service as an educator to future spiritual leaders, instilling in them the value of actively engaging the community in the pursuit of justice and equality. The pursuits of his spiritual and professional work in Southeast Michigan have been mirrored in his volunteer work with the residents of the Greater Detroit region. In his position on the boards of Gateway Community Health and Gateway-Detroit East, Inc., Dr. Nabors has endeavored to build better mental healthcare and substance abuse services that empower the residents of the community. He also serves on the advisory board for United Voices for Michigan's Children, which serves as the State's largest non-profit advocate for youth. As a past advisory board member for The Skillman Foundation, Dr. Nabors has also continued to support the development of youth in the establishment of the ``Call to Service'' outreach program that created academic mentoring opportunities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognition of Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors' great milestone in his service to the congregation of New Calvary Baptist Church and the people of Greater Detroit. His commitment to be a leader of his peers, a staunch advocate for our youth and a crusader for social justice values are a testament to his faith. I know his work has touched many lives and strengthened the fabric of the entire Southeast Michigan region. I congratulate Dr. Nabors on his fifteen years as Senior Pastor and look forward to working with him in our shared endeavor to create a more just and vibrant community.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Elizabeth Jackson and her lifelong commitment to pursuit of social justice, as she and many in the Greater Detroit area celebrate her ninety-fifth birthday. Known to many in the community simply as Liz, she is a proud Detroit resident that has spent decades serving her friends and neighbors. Liz began her long career almost seventy years ago when she joined the Ford Motor Company at its River Rouge Aluminum Foundry. And like so many who share a passion for building a fairer and more just world, she became involved in her chapter of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Local 600. From the beginning of her involvement in the UAW, Liz was steadfast in her commitment to her brothers and sisters in labor. Over the first twenty years of her career, her peers elected her to a number of positions on the local board. In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Liz was among the first women appointed to the International UAW in 1966, where she worked with many UAW locals of Ford Motor Company employees. At the International UAW, Liz was an active member of the team making important decisions the national negations of fair contracts for Ford workers. As was the case in her professional work, Liz mirrored those same principles and actions in her volunteer work. In her role as a community activist, Liz has utilized the oration, organizing and analytical thinking skills that she honed in her work with the UAW to serve and support many organizations that share her vision of a world where opportunity is equally accessible to all. Her civic activism includes a period as Vice President of the Michigan Black Caucus and she has been an active member of the Michigan Democratic Party and the Detroit Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In further service to her community, Liz was appointed to the Detroit Fire Commission. Even after retiring from Ford in 1983, Liz continues to remain active in the fight to build a better future for Detroit and the nation. Just last year, Liz attended the 2012 Democratic National Convention as part of the Michigan delegation and cast her vote for re-nominating President Barak Obama. She describes her time at DNC as a moment in her life that she will always remember. Whether it was an issue to her colleagues at Ford Motor and the UAW or a matter of importance to her neighbors and friends in Detroit and beyond, Liz has displayed an unwavering zeal for making the American ideal of having a fair shot at success available to all. This has earned the recognition and respect of her neighbors and community leaders that often turn to Liz for advice on issues facing Greater Detroit residents. Mr. Speaker, Liz Jackson's ninety-fifth birthday is yet another impressive milestone in the life of a women that has been a trailblazer for women in organized labor and public service. Her dedication to the Greater Detroit region and her brothers and sisters in organized labor have undoubtedly been an inspiration for many that have sought to serve their communities. Liz has made such a profound impact on the community she calls home and I wish her continued success in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Colonel Rodney Williams of the Michigan Air National Guard as he retires after twenty-eight years of service to our Nation in the Armed Forces. Colonel Williams' service began in 1984 when he joined the Army Reserve and later, in 1988, the Michigan Army National Guard. Over the next decade he would go on to obtain a Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School and would hold the positions of Assistant Staff Judge Advocate for the 177th Military Police Brigade and aide-be-camp to Michigan's Adjutant General, Major General Gordon Stump. In 1994, Colonel Williams transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard and was assigned to the 127th Wing as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While serving the 127th, Colonel Williams was committed to developing the unit's joint operational capabilities and was recognized by the North American Aerospace Defense Command for his work. While posted at Selfridge, Colonel Williams was assigned as Director of the 127th Wing Mission Support Group where he continued his focus on developing his unit's readiness and coordination. Under his leadership, the 127th Mission Support Group achieved a ninety-four percent readiness rating while it was supporting missions for the Air Mobility Command's KC-135 operation mission and its F-16 flying mission. As part of his responsibilities, Colonel Williams oversaw support for more than 400 Airmen of his support group that were deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Air Expeditionary Forces and Operation Noble Eagle. In 2008, Colonel William's Mission Support Group received a ninety-eight percent rating from a Unit Compliance Inspection. In 2010, Colonel Williams was chosen to serve as Director of the Michigan National Guard Human Resource Office, HRO, overseeing over twenty-two hundred full time employees. While in this capacity, he led efforts to streamline and increase efficiency within HRO, which created savings for taxpayers. Colonel Williams also fostered increased collaboration between first responders and the Michigan National Guard in disaster planning which earned the State outstanding evaluations for its Vigilant Guard Exercise. Throughout his career, Colonel Williams has focused not only on professional excellence, but on supporting efforts that have helped his countrymen as well. In 2005, while with the 127th Wing, Colonel Williams coordinated Michigan's assistance for two-hundred and fifty victims of Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, he has worked with the Detroit based Veterans Task Force on veterans employment issues. He has received numerous medals including the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Rodney Williams' twenty-eight years of dedicated service to our men and women of the Armed Forces and to our Country are a testament to his character and I know that his leadership will be missed by the personnel with whom he served.

Mr. PETERS of Michigan

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor longtime Detroit-area resident and community advocate Grace Naftaly on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The Naftaly family is well known in the Detroit-area, and I've had the privilege of working with Grace's son Jerry, who served as the mayor of Oak Park for many years. Throughout her lifetime, Grace demonstrated a selfless dedication to the welfare of others, the community, and her family. Grace was born on March 25, 1913 and arrived in the United States with her parents Mary and Emil Kahan through the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty port. Grace and her husband Bill Naftaly were blessed with three children, Robert, Janice and Jerry, as well as six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Even at the young age of 100, Grace is still an avid Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons fan. She also loves puzzle books and novels. As I close, I would like to wish Grace health and happiness for many years to come. I can say with confidence that because of her selfless attitude and dedication to the community, the Detroit-area is a better place.